Written question asked by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 26 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 April 2004. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 29 April 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many households in the UK she estimates use solar heating panels; and what her estimate is of use in five years' time - Inc figures.

Answer: Sir Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many households in the UK she estimates use solar heating panels; and what her estimate is of use in five years' time. [169369] Mr. Timms: The DTI does not keep a record of solar heating installations but according to figures from the Building Research Establishment it is estimated that there are approximately 60,000 solar heating systems installed in the UK. At current installation rates of approximately 5,000 per year, there could potentially be a further 25,000 installations in five years time, assuming none of the current installations are removed.

Secondary information