Solar Panel Blessing Ceremony Held at York Minster
Most people associate solar panels with modern buildings. However, solar energy installers are getting smarter and can now install solar panels discreetly on older buildings. In January 2025 we saw the trend on one of England’s most famous historic buildings when over 180 panels on the roof of the south Quire of York Minster were switched on.
York Minster
York Minster is one of the largest medieval cathedrals in northern Europe and the seat of the Archbishop of York. There has been a church on the site for well over a thousand years, and the current Gothic building was constructed over roughly 250 years, from the early 13th century to the late 15th century.
The solar installation
The south Quire roof of York Minster has 184 photovoltaic panels which were installed over a period of around four months. The around 70,000 kWh per annum of electricity generated is expected to meet about a third of the Minster’s electricity needs and the panels are located discreetly so as to be invisible from the ground. They were switched on for the first time on 9 January 2025 at a blessing ceremony conducted by the Dean of York.
This new installation is the fourth to be installed on the Minster estate. The refectory already has solar slates installed, the Works and Technology Hub has solar film applied and the Heritage Quad also has solar panels installed. Combined they are expected to generate circa 120,000 kWh per year.
Why a medieval cathedral went solar
This new installation is part of the Minster’s response to the challenges of the 21st century as set out in the Minster’s Neighbourhood Plan. The principal challenge for the Minster and its precinct is the climate emergency and the impact of climate change on an 800-year-old building made of stone and glass. Generating clean electricity on site to power the building reduces the use of fossil fuels and saves on running costs.
Solar on historic and listed buildings
- Panels are often placed on hidden roof slopes, valleys or outbuildings to avoid changing views of the building.
- Fixings must be designed so they do not damage historic fabric and can be removed later.
- Listed buildings usually need listed building consent for solar installations.
- Specialist products such as solar slates and film can suit sensitive locations.
Could solar work for your home?
You may not have a building on the scale of York Minster, but solar panels on a home can reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions. If this interests you, use an internet search to see which solar panel installation companies are operating in your region. For example, a term like solar panel installation Bristol if you live in that area should give results such as redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-bristol.
| York Minster solar in numbers | |
|---|---|
| Panels on the south Quire roof | 184 |
| Switched on | 9 January 2025 |
| Expected annual output (Quire roof) | About 70,000 kWh |
| Share of Minster’s electricity | About a third |
| Estate total with other installations | About 120,000 kWh a year |
Frequently asked questions
Can you put solar panels on a listed building?
While on occasion permission may be given for installation on historic buildings, it generally requires Listed building consent and must be designed to preserve the character of a property. A conservation officer and/or a specialist installer can be consulted to ascertain whether installation may be acceptable.
Do solar panels damage old roofs?
No, if designed and installed correctly. Special fixings can be used on old buildings to avoid damage to the original fabric, and the roof is inspected before any work commences.
Where to go next
See how another county is embracing solar in Dorset’s move to solar panels.
