York Minster, a historic cathedral in the UK, has partnered with Associated Clean Technologies to install 184 panels on the church’s roof.
The installation is part of York Minster’s “ongoing efforts to integrate modern technology within its centuries-old structure,” as the cathedral was built between 1220 and 1472 CE.
Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, comments on the progress: “We are thrilled to integrate solar into our strategy to decarbonise our operation.
“This installation is not just about harnessing renewable energy; it is about ensuring the preservation of York Minster for generations to come as we collectively seek to reduce our impact on the planet in an increasingly worrying climate emergency.”
In order to maximise energy generation yield while prioritising the structure of the Grade-I listed building, York Minster has chosen SolarEdge as its inverter provider. This was due to their products’ “renowned” safety features.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster adds: “The safety features provided by SolarEdge technology were a decisive factor in our choice of design.
“The greatest threat to the fabric of York Minster is now extreme weather events. With this system, we can safeguard our heritage while leading by example as we move towards a more sustainable future.”
The plans originally approved by the City of York Council in 2023 included 199 panels rather than 184, and an estimated 75,000kWh of generated power per annum based on that number. Surplus energy will be stored in batteries underground to be used during York Minster’s evening services.
A panel will also be installed in the cathedral to demonstrate its energy product’s impact and carbon savings. As York Minster attracts over 620,000 local, national, and international visitors annually, the panel’s presence will raise awareness of the importance of decarbonisation and the positive impact of solar.
Modernising history
United Kingdom
York isn’t the only British historical landmark to invest in solar. King Charles III also had solar panels fitted to Windsor Castle’s roof, which had been an occupied royal residence for almost 1,000 years.
According to an application filed in April, Sandringham House, a Victorian Grade-II listed estate owned by the King, has plans to build a solar and battery storage facility on its grounds.
As King Charles is a lifelong devotee of sustainable practices, these “nature-positive” measures are considered part of the King’s long-term sustainability initiative.
Outside of England, Balmoral Castle Royal Estate also received a solar upgrade in the form of a solar thermal installation by AES Solar. The installers also fitted solar panels to the roof of Edinburgh Castle’s Scottish National War Memorial.
Both projects were completed as part of a programme by Historic Environment Scotland to reduce the energy use of historic properties. Balmoral Castle is a Victorian-era property, and Edinburgh Castle clocks in at over 900 years old.
George Goudsmit, AES Managing Director, commented on the Edinburgh installation: “The sky’s the limit now that historic buildings can be part of the solution to net zero in Scotland.”
Europe
Despite being the world’s smallest independent state, the historic Vatican City incorporated solar as early as 2008. The Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall’s panels produce 300,000kWh of solar energy per annum.
In 2023, Italy’s ancient site of Pompeii introduced solar panels to cut down both costs and carbon. These were installed in disguise as terracotta tiles to blend in with the ancient Roman architecture before the city was destroyed after the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 CE.
The energy produced from these panels is used to light frescoes in two of the site’s landmarks: the House of Ceres and the House of Vetti.
Germany has also updated its Reichstag Building, the country’s government seat since the 19th century. 3,600sqm of solar panels are hidden on the roofs of the buildings’ offices and the energy generated is used internally.
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[Image: York Minster]
