Local production of electricity from the wind and sun, for example using roof-top solar panels and micro wind turbines, is attracting increasing subsidy support worldwide as governments try to curb greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.

Britain has extended to 2010 the deadline for households to apply for some 10 million pounds ($19.87 million) of remaining grants which it had expected to run out this year.

For households, a medium-sized household solar photovoltaic (PV) system is likely to cost more than 10,000 pounds and Britain's scheme offers a grant of up to 2,500 pounds.