GOVERNMENT minister Elliot Morley has visited Huddersfield to tour pioneering solar-powered homes.

Environment Minister Mr Morley visited Primrose Hill yesterday to see Kirklees Council-owned homes on Elizabeth Street, Lawton Street and Primrose Grove.

Houses on the streets were fitted with photovoltaic solar roof panels several months ago. The panels convert light directly into electricity, which is primarily used for lighting and to heat water in the homes.

This means boilers do not have to be used as much - saving tenants up to £70 a year on their energy bills.

Mr Morley spoke to several tenants and said the scheme appeared to be a success.

He said: "I have seen a number of these solar schemes, although this is the largest of its type. I'm very impressed. From talking to local tenants, I know it is very popular.

"One lady told me she has noticed a significant drop in the amount of tokens she uses in her meter.

"The domestic setting of people's homes accounts for a very big chunk of the carbon dioxide which goes into the atmosphere.

"So the more efficient we can make heating systems and the more clean energy we can install, the better it is.

"It is vital that everybody gets involved in sustainable development. That goes for authorities, businesses and individuals."

Mr Morley said the Government is bringing in higher energy efficiency standards for new properties next year.

He said Government money is also being put into schemes to help householders make their homes more energy efficient.

He said: "I know there are a number of councils who have ambitions to introduce energy saving devices and clean, renewable energy sources.

"We are working with authorities to provide grants to finance these kind of projects."

He said the Government was not just looking at solar power, but considering alternatives such as wind power.

Mr Morley was visiting Huddersfield as part of a national tour of green-housing developments and business energy-saving schemes.

Councillor Andrew Cooper, Kirklees cabinet member for housing, said: "The minister visiting is a recognition of the forward thinking approach we are taking.

"The important thing is to ensure that we mainstream renewable energy into our investment and new build programmes, not just for homes but also schools, community facilities and residential homes."

During his visit, Mr Morley was told about plans to build 79 new energy efficient homes on Ridge Street and Ridge Close at Primrose Hill.

Sixty-four dilapidated bedsits on those streets have been demolished and Yorkshire Housing Group is to put up 48 two-bedroomed flats and 31 houses with an attractive central courtyard and garden.

The new properties will all have photovoltaic solar panels.

The project will cost £7m and is being funded by the Housing Corporation, the Government and the European Union.

Kirklees Council and Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing are partners in the project.