§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria she will use to judge the success of phase one of her Department's solar PV major demonstration programme. [87717]
§ Mr. WilsonThe success of the first phase of the major PV demonstration programme will be judged by a number of criteria including: whether the target number of installations have been completed within the budget, whether the overall cost of the PV systems has reduced significantly, and whether a strong PV industry in both installation and manufacture has been established.
§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures her Department has put in place since 1997 to encourage investment in the off-grid solar PV market; and if she will make a statement. [87719]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Department has funded a number of research and development projects under its Renewable Energy Programme, such as Hybrolight and Aviation Beacon/Landing Lights, Transport Refrigeration, 249WS Vaccine Fridge, Desalination System and UK leadership of an International Energy Agency PV Power Systems Task on PV for Developing Countries.
§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether a decision to move to phase 2 of the solar PV major demonstration programme will be made in consultation with the UK solar PV industry. [87723]
§ Mr. WilsonWe take it as read that the UK solar PV industry would welcome a second phase of the major PV demonstration programme. Should there be one, we will endeavour to consult them as far as is practicable about its shape and operation.