Project Overview
Client: All Saints Church, Bedworth
Project Type: Comprehensive Solar System Installation on a Grade II* Listed Building
System Components:
50x All Black Solar Panels
1x 25kW Hybrid Inverter
2x 8kWh Batteries and 1x 5kWh Battery
Solar skirt for all panels
When: December 2024
All Saints Church in Bedworth embarked on an ambitious journey to enhance its sustainability profile and contribute to the Church of England’s collective goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Recognising the historic and cultural significance of the building—a Grade II* listed structure—the church sought a bespoke solution that would not only reduce its carbon footprint but also preserve its heritage aesthetics. Optimum Electrics was approached for a tailored quote, expert guidance, and comprehensive supportive materials. These resources played a pivotal role in securing backing from Historic England and positioning the church as a demonstrator project for sustainable practices within the Church of England.
Objectives
To install a solar energy system that aligns with the Church of England’s goal to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
To ensure the installation of solar panels and related infrastructure complies with the regulatory constraints of a Grade II* listed building.
To minimise disruption to the church's ongoing activities and community programs during the installation process.
Design and Consultation
Optimum Electrics worked closely with All Saints Church to design a bespoke solar system tailored to the building’s specific needs and constraints. The goal was to install a system that blended seamlessly with the church's historic architecture and met all planning and regulatory requirements.
Key considerations during the consultation phase included:
Subtle Appearance: The solar panels selected were all-black, chosen specifically for their unobtrusive aesthetic, blending harmoniously with the church’s roofline while maintaining visual integrity.
Space Optimisation: Due to the limited available space, Optimum Electrics recommended the more compact Sigenergy hybrid inverters and batteries, optimising the system's performance without compromising space or design.
Compliance with Planning Requirements: The installation required several modifications to meet the approval criteria. For example, specific routing of cables was required to ensure that no wires were visible to the public, maintaining the church's aesthetic and historical value. Additionally, solar skirts were used to enclose and hide the railings and underside of the panels, ensuring a neat and unobtrusive installation.
Installation Process
The installation took place over one week, with the team working Monday to Friday to minimise disruption to the church's daily activities and community groups. Optimum Electrics ensured that all work was conducted around the church’s planned services, events, and programs.
Key elements of the installation included:
Solar Panels: 50 all-black panels were installed across the roof, chosen for their subtle appearance to preserve the church’s historical aesthetic.
Inverters: A 25kW hybrid inverter was used to optimise energy conversion and ensure efficient integration with the grid.
Batteries: The system included two 8kWh batteries and one 5kWh battery, enabling the church to store excess energy for later use, reducing reliance on the grid and enhancing energy independence.
Bird Protection: As part of the installation, bird protection was added to prevent any potential issues with local wildlife while maintaining the efficiency of the solar system.
The installation of the comprehensive solar system at All Saints Church in Bedworth stands as a testament to how modern renewable energy solutions can be harmoniously integrated into historic buildings. With the support of Optimum Electrics, the church successfully navigated the challenges associated with its Grade II* listed status, secured planning permission, and achieved a state-of-the-art installation that not only cuts energy costs but also advances the Church of England’s carbon neutrality goals. This project is a clear demonstration of how heritage, sustainability, and community values can work together to create a brighter, greener future.
Looking to install a solar PV system on your home or business premises? Contact our team today for expert advise and a free, no obligation quote and solar design.
01733 601698
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