Installation work will begin on 1 July on a major solar panel project at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. The project marks a significant milestone in the Cathedral’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon use. You can find out more about this through the FAQs below.
About the project
What is the solar panel project?
St Edmundsbury Cathedral is installing 72 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the Nave South Aisle (54) and Lady Chapel (18) roofs. This is the first major capital project of its kind at the Cathedral and forms part of our commitment to achieving net zero carbon use.
Why is the Cathedral installing solar panels?
The Cathedral’s carbon usage is currently made up of electricity and gas. The solar panels will tackle our electricity consumption.
When will the installation happen?
Installation work will begin on 1 July.
How long will the installation take?
Around three weeks.
Is this part of a bigger environmental programme?
Yes. The solar panel project is part of the Cathedral’s wider drive to improve environmental sustainability, governed and promoted by our Eco St Eds Team. The Cathedral Chapter is committed to delivering net zero carbon use, and this project is an important step in that journey.
Environmental impact
How much electricity will the panels generate?
The system should generate over 25,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which could reduce our overall electricity consumption by around 20.4%.
What will this save in carbon emissions?
The panels could reduce our carbon emissions by 5.65 tonnes annually.
Will the Cathedral use battery storage?
Not at this stage.
Heritage and visual impact
Will the solar panels damage the Cathedral?
The Cathedral has completed comprehensive structural surveys to ensure the roofs are suitable for the panels.
What will the panels look like?
The solar panels have been carefully specified as matt black units designed for high power output with minimal glare. Their visual impact has been thoroughly assessed from key vantage points around the Cathedral. The panels are fitted to the lower south-facing roofs (South Aisle and Lady Chapel), which are less visible from most public viewpoints.
Have heritage experts reviewed the project?
Yes. The project has been subject to detailed heritage impact assessment as part of the planning process. We have also completed bat roost assessments and other environmental surveys to ensure minimal impact to local wildlife and the historic building. The project has gone through a rigorous planning process and all permissions have been granted.
Wildlife
Will the panels harm local bats?
A comprehensive bat roost assessment was completed before the project began. The assessment found no evidence of roosting bats in the areas where the panels are being installed.
Visiting the Cathedral during installation
Will the Cathedral remain open during the installation?
Yes, however there may be some disruption. Scaffolding will be erected and cables will need to be installed across the building. You may experience some noise disruption and we will also need to block off some small areas for health and safety reasons. Some work will be also be carried out in the cloisters and this may affect how you enter and exit the building. Signage will be displayed when this is the case, with alternative routes signposted.
Will Tower Tours be affected?
Some tower tours have been rescheduled due to installation work. If your tour has been affected, we will have contacted you directly with alternative dates. Please contact us on 01284 748720 if you have any questions about your booking.
Will Cathedral Tours be affected?
Potentially. Depending on the work happening that day, your tour may use an alternative route. We are a working building and always do our best to share the space. If we feel any tours will be impacted negatively, we will cancel them and notify all attendees.