Solar & Battery
SOLAR PANELS FOR CHURCHES
THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR PANELS FOR CHURCHES
Churches are increasingly adopting renewable energy as part of their long-term sustainability strategy. Solar power specifically offers a range of benefits, including:
Helps meet renewable energy targets
The Church of England has committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2030, creating a clear sector-wide mandate for change. Solar power is one of the most practical and accessible routes to achieving this target.
Significantly reduces operational costs
Installing solar panels can substantially reduce energy bills for churches without the need to limit energy usage. Churches also benefit from a range of grants and financial incentives, including the Smart Export Guarantee, which allows excess energy generated to be sold back to the grid.
Highlights commitment to the environment
Fitting a solar PV system to churches or other religious buildings is a visible showcase of an organisation’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change.
Reduces future energy supply risks
A solar system can improve energy security for churches used daily for worship, events and community services by reducing exposure to energy supply risks, such as future price rises.
Aligns with worshiper’s values
The transition to solar power aligns with many congregations’ values of environmental stewardship, which often include caring for the planet, supporting their communities, and preserving religious buildings for future generations.
PLANNING AND HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS
Churches often occupy listed buildings or are in conservation areas, and therefore, when installing solar panels, more careful and sympathetic design may be required. Well-presented, visually discreet systems can help secure planning approval for church buildings.
Clear, well-prepared applications – supported by technical drawings and heritage-sensitive designs – strengthen planning submissions and may make the process smoother for everyone involved.
The integration of design features like SolaSkirt® help to protect architectural character and meet heritage advisory requirements, which is why innovative pigeon proofing solutions are added as standard to all our solar installations on church buildings.
SOLAR SOLUTIONS FOR CHURCHES BROCHURE
Learn more about church solar panel installation, funding and more with our church installation brochure.
FUNDING AND SUPPORT
Churches and religious organisations benefit from access to a range of funding pathways including diocesan sustainability grants, charitable funds, and community energy initiatives. Also, the UK offers 0% VAT for registered charities, making installations more affordable to churches and religious organisations.
This means that churches can get the financial benefits of solar panels, such as lower energy bills and improvements to the church’s financial stability, at an even more affordable cost. The cost savings can be used to fund community services and other initiatives that benefit the congregation.
To help get access to these cost saving initiatives, Titan Eco can provide technical documentation, generation estimates and design drawings that support funding applications. Where needed, we also offer support with staging projects in phases to align with budget cycles or grant timelines. Learn more about our Funding For Surrey Churches.
OUR APPROACH TO SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION FOR CHURCHES
DESIGN
Each project is designed individually, factoring in roof structure, orientation, heritage status, energy usage patterns, and the needs of the congregation. Systems are tailored to suit architectural sensitivities while maximising generation potential. SolaSkirt® is included as standard for a neat, discreet finish and added pigeon-proofing.
PLANNING
Where an application for planning permission is required, our team can provide documentation to help support the application. All communication is clear, transparent and supportive from the first conversation to post-installation. Deposits are fully refundable until the point of installation, and there are no hidden costs, making Titan Eco the preferred solar panel installer for many church committees.
INSTALLATION
All of our solar panel installations for religious buildings are carried out with sensitivity to daily church operations. Our installation teams are mindful of daily site activities such as worship and community events, ensuring minimal disruption during the installation process. They will be respectful to your congregation and provide ongoing updates.
AFTERCARE
Following the installation of your solar system, our team will complete a handover, explaining how the solar system works. This will include information on any additions you have included with your system, such as batteries, so you know how everything works and can get the most out of your solar PV installation. Where required, we can also provide ongoing cleaning and maintenance services.
HOW WE DELIVER HERITAGE SENSITIVE INSTALLATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS
One of Titan Eco’s recent solar panel projects for a church was the installation at St John’s Church, Stoke – a Grade II* listed building in Guildford. The installation demonstrates beautifully how thoughtful system design can meet strict heritage planning requirements while also successfully cutting the church’s energy bills. The 27.56 kWp solar system combined high-performance panels with a low-profile mounting system and SolaSkirt®, creating a discreet finish that satisfied both the Diocesan Advisory Committee and the Council Heritage Advisor.
The solar panel installation now generates around 27,000 kWh of clean energy a year, saving the church approximately £6,000 annually and cutting 7 tonnes of CO₂ all while respecting the building’s historic character. SolaSkirt® has also been used successfully in other church projects, such as at All Saints Church, Bedworth, installed by Optimum Electrics. In this installation, SolaSkirt® was used to “hide the railings and underside of the panels, ensuring a neat and unobtrusive installation” to meet planning requirements. Read the full case study here: All Saints Church Case Study.
The addition of SolaSkirt to make the panels blend into the roofline and look smart was crucial when considering our Grade II* listed building… As part of a Church of England church, we have to run things through the Diocesan Advisory Committee before submitting for faculty approval — and they raised the issue of making sure we had protection to stop animals getting in under the solar panels early on in the process. We liked SolaSkirt for the neatness and finished look it gives the panels… and I’m sure the skirt helped get it over the line with permissions with both the DAC and council heritage advisor.
David Curran, Project Lead, The Next Chapter, St John’s Church
CASE STUDIES
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Find out more: King’s Church, ChessingtonKing’s Church, Chessington
The Kings Centre, located in Chessington, is a prominent facility known for hosting events, conferences, and community gatherings. As part of their commitment to sustainability and cost savings, The Kings Centre decided to invest in solar energy solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy expenses. Client Name…
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Find out more: St George’s Church SurreySt George’s Church Surrey
St. George’s Church in Ashtead embarked on a solar energy project to harness clean and sustainable energy, reduce operating costs, and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. The project was awarded following a competitive tender process, highlighting the technical prowess, cost effectiveness and reliability of the proposed solution. Client Name…
BOOK YOUR SITE SURVEY TODAY
If you’re considering installing commercial solar panels on your premises, fill out the contact form today. Our expert team will get in touch to discuss your business energy needs and design the ideal solar panel system for your organisation.