Solar panels on listed buildings: explored

Protected by law, listed buildings are important historical treasures that preserve architectural and cultural heritage. But as the world moves towards a Net Zero future, some property owners have the tough task of reducing their carbon footprint without compromising that historical value.

Read on as we explore the ins and outs of installing solar panels on listed buildings. And if you’d like to find out how much a solar & battery system could save you, simply answer a few quick questions below and we’ll calculate an estimate.

Can you put solar panels on a listed building?

You're allowed to install solar panels on a listed building, but with some caveats. If a building is listed, it has legal protection because of its historical or architectural significance - which means paying more attention to preserving the building's appearance.

Some heritage structures may not be suitable for solar panels if the installation would harm the building's significance, but many listed buildings can accommodate panels if fitted discreetly. Panels should be placed in less visible areas, so installing them on a prominent roof slope is usually a no-no.

In any case, you need Listed Building Consent before you can go ahead. An unauthorised installation is a criminal offence and attempting to carry one out will land you on the wrong side of the law.

What are the requirements for Listed Building Consent?

To get Listed Building Consent, you'll need to apply to your local planning authority and show them how the new solar panel system will affect the building's character. The application needs to explain how the panels will be installed, how they will look, and how they will fit with the existing structure.

It's advisable to contact your local authority's conservation team before this step, as they can give you advice on what's likely to be acceptable before you part with your cash. The upfront cost of solar panels can already be a hefty outlay, so you definitely don’t want to waste more money unnecessarily.

Once your application is submitted, the local authority will then assess its visual impact, reviewing the colour, finish, and arrangement of the panels to make sure the intended changes complement the existing aesthetics.

To simplify planning processes while balancing energy efficiency and preservation, Historic England urged local authorities in November 2023 to approve solar and heat pump installations on heritage buildings, unless they result in "unacceptable harm".

Certain listed buildings may have unsuitable roofs with intricate or delicate roof tiles, making solar installations costlier or riskier. In those cases, ground-mounted solar panels in the gardens or grounds can be a viable alternative.

How to apply for Listed Building Consent

To apply for Listed Building Consent, you need to submit an application to your local planning authority. You (or your installer) can do this online through the Planning Portal or by downloading the relevant forms from your local authority's website.

Your application must include:

• detailed plans and drawings to show the proposed changes and their impact on the building's character
• a heritage statement (also known as a statement of heritage significance)
• a heritage impact assessment to justify why the changes are necessary and desirable
• a design and access statement.

It's usually free to apply for Listed Building Consent, but there may be other fees if the application is part of a group of other planning permission applications for the same works - for example, if you’re building an extension.

How long does it take to get Listed Building Consent?

It usually takes around eight weeks to get Listed Building Consent. But it can take longer in more complicated situations. Sometimes you might need further consultations with Conservation Officers and revisions to the application to preserve the building's character.

And if the application involves a Grade I or Grade II* listed building or includes significant alterations like demolition, the process may call for specialist advice.

What about ground-mounted solar panels?

When roof installations aren't feasible or would ruin the building's charm, ground-mounted solar arrays can be a good alternative.

The key is to place the panels carefully in the landscape to make them less noticeable. They shouldn't be near the main parts of the building or any important views, ideally using natural screening like hedges or trees to obscure them - the panels should also blend in with their surroundings.

It's also important to consider the archaeological significance of the site, as the solar installation can affect buried heritage assets.

As with a rooftop solar array, careful planning and consultation with local Conservation Officers are both essential to ensure the installation respects the historical and aesthetic values of the listed building.

Can you put solar panels on a listed church?

You can install solar panels on a listed church, but the process involves specific permissions from the church's relevant denominational authority rather than Listed Building Consent (plus, you'll still need to apply for planning permission).

This mainly applies to churches eligible for ecclesiastical exemption, such as those in the Church of England, Roman Catholic Church, Baptist Union, Methodist Church, and United Reformed Church.

Can you use solar roof tiles as an alternative?

Solar roof tiles aren't as obtrusive as traditional solar panels, but they don't fully imitate standard tiles and they have a shorter lifespan. This means they're not the best choice for prominent slopes on listed buildings, and wouldn't greatly benefit less visible areas.

When it comes to using solar roof tiles as a covering, you'll need to consider how well the installation will cover the roof and keep it weatherproof. You will also need to take into account how the solar roof tiles will change over time, which could affect how they look and function as a covering.

On the installation front, the integration process for solar roof tiles sometimes uses flashing, but this is only compatible with certain types of roof coverings.

If you’re not replacing the entire roof, your installer will need to check for compatibility as part of the survey, as well as ensuring there will be enough ventilation space to keep the solar tiles working efficiently.

Examples of listed buildings with solar panels

The new visitor centre at Sutton Hoo, a prehistoric heritage site, has 172 high-efficiency solar panels installed by the National Trust. These panels generate around 42,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity every year - enough to power over 10 three-bedroom homes.

Despite objections from Historic England, Cambridge University's Grade-I listed King's College Chapel has installed 497 solar panels on its roof as part of works to replace its dilapidated lead roof. The panels are set to generate 123,000kWh of electricity each year, covering all of the Chapel's electricity needs.

King's Cross Station, a Grade-I listed building, uses 1,392 custom-made glass laminate solar panels integrated across 2,300 square metres of its glass roofs. These panels generate 175,000kWh of electricity each year, resulting in an annual reduction of over 100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Grade-II listed Chippenham Hall installed a ground-mounted solar array within a hedged enclosure in its pleasure grounds. The enclosure blends well with the rest of the pleasure grounds, and the hedges hide the solar array from other areas of the site.

Gloucester Cathedral, a Grade-I listed cathedral, has 150 solar panels on its roof which provide roughly 25% of its electricity needs. The panels are hidden from view in Gloucester because of the roof's slant and tall parapet.

Next steps

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Solar panels on listed buildings: FAQs