Written question asked by David Chaytor (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 March 2005. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what his Department's assessment is of the contribution that solar photovoltaics can make to reducing carbon emissions in newbuild housing built to latest Part L Building Regulations.

Answer: Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his Department's assessment is of the contribution that solar photovoltaics can make to reducing carbon emissions in new build housing built to latest Part L Building Regulations. [220705] Phil Hope: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has determined that solar photovoltaic generating systems are not yet cost-effective. They were not, therefore, specifically mentioned in the Part L consultation document last year as being appropriate to the achievement of reasonable provision in compliance with the Building Regulations. The Part L proposals include setting minimum overall building performance standards at levels much higher than at present and providing new technical guidance on low and zero carbon systems. PV is not ruled out and remains one of the technologies that builders can choose to adopt to comply with the regulations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c842-3W; 220705
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Construction Air pollution Building regulations Carbon Housing Solar power Photovoltaics
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk