§ Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the payback period is on available photovoltaic and other domestic solar power installations; what contribution the Government's major photovoltaics demonstration programme makes to reducing the payback period; what the comparative payback period is for solar energy technology; and what packages of financial support are available to support and promote the use of solar energy. [73192]
§ Mr. WilsonThe typical payback period for photovoltaic installations is 50–100 years. The major photovoltaics demonstration programme effectively halves this payback period for the purchaser by offering 50 per cent. grants on this technology. Our rationale for supporting photovoltaics is that it is a technology at a relatively early stage of development, but with significant potential for further cost reduction and for meeting our electricity needs in the future.
Solar water heating is a proven and commercial technology with a payback period of 15–20 years. No financial support is currently available for this technology through central government, although such support is currently being considered under the £10 million 188W Community and Household renewables scheme. Support may, however, be available through local authorities and energy suppliers.