Case Study

York Minster leads the way: solar innovation meets heritage preservation

Setting a powerful example of sustainability and heritage preservation, York Minster, one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, is taking a bold step to address the challenges of climate change by reducing its carbon footprint.

The ACT team working on York Minster

This commitment to sustainability, delivered through a solar-powered strategy, aligns its centuries-old legacy with the pressing need to address modern environmental challenges, safeguarding its heritage for the future.

Working with Solarwatt, a pioneer in solar panel technology, and Leeds-based renewable energy specialists Associated Clean Technologies (ACT), the cathedral has installed 184 glass-glass photovoltaic solar panels on its South Quire roof.

Extreme weather caused by climate change, particularly intense rainfall, has become the “biggest threat” to York Minster, according to officials. Prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall has accelerated the decay of its stone and caused movement in the Grade I listed structure, raising concerns about its preservation.

Preserving history with a sustainable solution

The solar panels, part of a wider sustainability initiative, will generate nearly 70,000 kWh of renewable energy annually — enough to power 41 average UK households. This will account for approximately one-third of York Minster’s energy consumption, reducing its annual carbon emissions by 13 tonnes of CO2.

Alex McCallion, York Minster’s Director of Works and Precinct, said: “If we can do it, everybody else can do it because our climate is changing. We’re seeing that firsthand while looking after this very precious building.”

He added that the cathedral’s adoption of solar energy “demonstrates how historic buildings can embrace renewable energy solutions without compromising their heritage.”

Expert partners

York is an excellent example of what can be done with the right emphasis and the right teams in place with the skill and technical expertise required. Associated Clean Technologies is a company that considers the individual requirements of each solar installation, providing bespoke solutions that ensure outstanding consultation, design, and project delivery.

A centuries-old cathedral roof offers unique challenges and these were overcome through the use of high-efficiency, glass-glass SOLARWATT Panel vision solar modules. Designed and rigorously tested to withstand extreme weather, mechanical stress, and harmful pollutants, the panels have a very low CO2 footprint and adhere to necessary Class A safety standards as well as delivering durability and performance.

ACT’s team of experienced installers worked meticulously to ensure the project implementation ran smoothly and that the system design not only provides maximum efficiency but that also integrates seamlessly with the architecture. The panels’ solar cells are encapsulated between a double layer of toughened glass and lamination bonded to ensure they are reliable and sustainable in every way, so they will produce high yields for decades.

Nicola Newby,  Operations Director at Associated Clean Technologies Ltd said: We are honoured to have been selected to carry out this significant installation at York Minster. Our team has worked diligently to ensure that the project not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of safety and efficiency.”

Neal Goddard, Managing Director Solarwatt UK & Ireland commenting on the project added: “ Solarwatt is proud to be part of this transformative installation alongside our expert partners at ACT who have done an incredible job.

“York Minster’s solar installation sets a powerful example of heritage preservation through sustainable innovation ”

Looking ahead

The solar installation is part of York Minster’s broader plan to transition to renewable energy, with additional projects in the pipeline. It marks an important step as a one of the largest cathedral estates in the world demonstrating how historic sites can lead the way in tackling climate change.

In the upcoming Feb/Mar 2025 issue of Renewable Energy Installer magazine, both the opportunity and the challenge of installing renewable solutions in the heritage sector is considered in detail. If you are not yet subscribed, request your regular copy here.