Installation work has begun on a major solar panel project at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, with 54 panels being fitted to the Nave South Aisle roof and a further 18 on the Lady Chapel roof. The project marks a significant milestone in the Cathedral’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon use.

Once operational, the system will generate over 25,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, reducing the Cathedral’s electricity consumption by 20.4% and cutting carbon emissions by 5.65 tonnes per year. This is the first major capital project of its kind at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

The solar panels have been carefully specified as matt black units designed for high power output with minimal glare, and their visual impact has been thoroughly assessed from key vantage points around the Cathedral.

The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral said: “The Cathedral and Chapter is committed to delivering net zero carbon use, and this solar panel project is an important step in our journey to decarbonise. It demonstrates our commitment to the Church of England’s net zero campaign and the priority of tackling the climate crisis.”

The Cathedral has completed comprehensive structural surveys, heritage impact assessments, and bat roost assessments to ensure the project meets all regulatory requirements and causes minimal impact to the historic building and local wildlife. Funding for the project comes from the Church of England Demonstrator Grant, a project set up to assist the Church of England’s net zero aim.