Solar Britain

UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks today announced that 14 new solar photovoltaic (PV) energy projects across the

will receive £1.35 million in funding, bringing the total amount awarded to medium and large-scale projects since the Government established its scheme in 2002 to £18.8 million.

Part of the Government's aim to see the UK generating 10 per cent of electricity from renewable resources by 2010, the solar PV grant programme is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and managed by the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

Since the establishment of the scheme, 180 medium and large-scale projects throughout the UK have been granted funding and on completion will generate 5815 kWp of electricity.

Malcolm Wicks said: "These projects will produce clean, renewable electricity and their locations, including churches, schools, housing projects and museums, will put the drive for secure energy that doesn't harm the environment right at the heart of local communities."

Photovoltaic systems are non-polluting energy sources that convert sunlight directly into electricity. For every year a typical household system operates, one tonne of carbon dioxide emissions can be saved.