York Minster switches to solar energy
The historic building has turned to modern methods of electricity production, with 184 discreetly placed panels now generating 70,000kWh – a third of the Minster’s power requirements.
Installed over the last four months on the south Quire roof, the panels were switched on today in a blessing ceremony led by the Dean of York.
This is the fourth solar installation on the Minster estate, which together will generate 120,000kWh of energy per year, enough to power 41 average UK homes.
The solar panel installation is one of many projects underway across the Minster as part of its Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted in 2022 and is designed to address 21st century challenges, including climate change and the impacts it can have on the 800-year-old building.
The panels are placed on the south quire roof. Credit: Place North
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, explained: “Extreme weather, brought about by climate change is the greatest threat to the fabric of York Minster.
“These solar panels signify a significant step forward in our decarbonisation journey and is a significant project of our Neighbourhood Plan.
“This project joins our existing solar slates on the York Minster Refectory, solar panels at the Heritage Quad and solar film on the Works & Technology Hub, to help reduce our energy consumption by a third – a huge leap forward toward a net zero future.
“The closing statement of COP29 reminded us of the perilous state of our climate when the UN Secretary General noted ‘COP29 comes at the close of a brutal year – a year seared by record temperatures, and scarred by climate disaster, all as emissions continue to rise’.
“Our adopted Neighbourhood Plan is delivering ambitious change in our estate as we take bold action to get our buildings to net zero.
“These renewable energy systems, together with retrofit to insulate our buildings and reduce energy consumption, should be celebrated as a major step forward and show that it if we can do it at York Minster, everyone can and should.”
