Skip to main content

Solar Power

Volume 494: debated on Thursday 25 June 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will provide funding for the manufacture of domestic energy generation products using photovoltaic technology. (281229)

[holding answer 19 June 2009]: A low carbon economy represents a huge economic opportunity and is at the heart of the Government’s vision for economic recovery. Budget 2009 committed a further £1.4 billion in targeted support for the low carbon economy.

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) is the Government’s £131 million grant programme which is supporting the installation of microgeneration technologies including solar photovoltaic. The programme is helping to build the supply chain for these technologies and creating a sustainable market. In addition, solar photovoltaic also receives support through the Renewables Obligation (RO). Since 1 April 2009, all microgenerators (50 kW and under) can apply for the highest level of support under the reformed RO (2 ROCs/MWh).

We are committed to having Feed-In Tariffs in place in April 2010. This will provide longer term support for solar photovoltaic industry giving business the confidence to make investment decisions.