Solar energy projects earn cash injection

Solar energy projects earn cash injection

Mar 10 - Planning

Solar power projects are set to receive a 5 million boost, energy minister Stephen Timms announced last week.

The money will be spent on medium and large-scale solar electric power installations. It supplements the 20 million originally allocated to the major photovoltaics demonstration programme at its March 2002 launch by trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt.

Since then, more than 90 projects have received grants for solar energy development. The latest funding announcement is set to support energy projects for housing, educational and commercial buildings.

Timms said: "We've already seen, thanks to the grant programme, the number of installers of solar power treble and significant investments made in manufacturing."