Current Petitions

Petition PE637, which was submitted by J Russell Thomson, concerns the installation of solar panels on new buildings. The petitioner calls on the Scottish Parliament to amend planning and building regulations to ensure that all new buildings be fitted with sufficient solar panels to provide an adequate hot water system for the building.The petitioner claims that an advanced form of solar panel, which is designed and developed for use in Scotland, produces electricity to run the system's pump in addition to heating water. The system involves less installation time and is more cost-effective than traditional methods. The petitioner restates the argument that he set out in PE267 that the installation of solar panels on all new buildings could contribute to a reduction in the use of fossil fuels. It would encourage owners of existing properties to adopt solar panels and it would stimulate jobs in manufacturing, fitting, servicing and research and development.We considered the petition on 3 September 2003 and agreed to write to the Executive. We asked for the Executive's view on the petition and whether it has plans to amend building regulations or the relevant guidance on planning, design and building to encourage the use of solar heating. The Executive's response has been circulated to members.It appears that over the next few years, through implementation of the European Union directive on the energy performance of buildings, and through changes to building regulations to include requirements for renewable energy sources for buildings, the Executive will seek to encourage use of renewable technologies, including solar power. Grants are also available to householders and communities under the Scottish community and householder renewables initiative to assist with installation of renewable energy technologies, including solar heating systems.Although those measures appear to be a step in the right direction, they do not go as far as the petitioner would like. He calls for a requirement that all new buildings be fitted with solar panels. Do members have suggestions as to how we should deal with PE637?

Do members agree to that suggestion?Members indicated agreement.

The recommendation is that we take no action on the petition. Do members agree?Members indicated agreement.