Solar
Solar photovoltaic and thermal panels on historic buildings raise the same question every time: where can they go without harming the character of the building or its setting. The installers in this category work with that constraint rather than around it, siting arrays on rear and secondary slopes, on outbuildings, on flat roofs behind parapets or on the ground away from the principal views. The technical side matters too, because older roof structures were not designed for the additional load, and fixings have to be made without breaking the weathertightness of a traditional covering.
What this category covers
- Discreet siting on secondary slopes, outbuildings and flat roofs
- In-roof and low-profile arrays for period roof coverings
- Ground-mounted arrays where roof siting is unacceptable
- Structural assessment of historic roof timbers for panel loads
- Battery storage and integration with existing heating systems
C S C Window Films & Blinds Ltd
SOLAR CONTROL SOLUTIONS: The UKs only manufacturer, supplier and installer of UK ...
Senergy Heating Limited
Senergy Heating Limited designs, supplies, installs and maintains low-temperature heating and renewable ...
Solar on a historic building
Start with where, not with how many. On listed buildings and in conservation areas, siting decides the application. Rear slopes, inner roof pitches, outbuildings, flat roofs behind parapets and ground mounts are all more likely to succeed than a principal elevation.
Assume consent is needed. Permitted development rights for solar are restricted on listed buildings, in conservation areas and on flats, and panels on a listed building require Listed Building Consent regardless of whether planning permission is also required.
Check the roof structure and covering. Historic rafters, laths and battens were not sized for panel loads and wind uplift, and fixings through slate, stone slate or pantiles have to be detailed so the covering still sheds water. Ask what the fixing detail is before agreeing to the work.
Look at the fabric first. Draught-proofing, loft insulation and repairing rainwater goods usually reduce energy use more cheaply than generation adds supply, and a dry, tight building makes better use of whatever is generated.
Questions to ask
Can you put solar panels on a listed building?
It is possible but it requires Listed Building Consent, and the outcome depends heavily on siting. Arrays that are not visible from public views, on secondary slopes, outbuildings or ground mounts, have a considerably better chance than panels on a principal elevation.
Do panels damage a traditional roof?
They need not, but the risks are load and fixing. Historic roof timbers were not designed for the additional dead load and wind uplift, and penetrations through slate or stone must be detailed to remain weathertight. Both should be assessed before installation.
Are there alternatives if roof panels are refused?
Ground-mounted arrays, panels on modern outbuildings or garages, and arrays behind parapets on flat roofs are the usual alternatives. Solar thermal for hot water needs a smaller area than photovoltaic and can sometimes be sited more discreetly.
All 5 businesses listed under Solar
- Baystar Ltd West Sussex
- C S C Window Films & Blinds Ltd Nottinghamshire
- Eco Tiffin Limited Hertfordshire
- Noreus Ltd Staffordshire
- Senergy Heating Limited Surrey
Directory information is provided to help visitors identify potentially relevant specialists and suppliers. Inclusion does not constitute a recommendation, approval or guarantee by Tuscan Foundry Products. Please check current services, credentials, availability and suitability directly with each business.