Churches

Start with an informal conversation with your DAC Secretary. Most committees prefer giving early-stage advice before you submit a formal application. We can support this by providing the site plans and visualisations you'll need to share with them.

The higher the grade, the more robust your justification must be. You must prove the environmental benefits outweigh any "harm" to the historic character. Grade II buildings often have more flexibility, especially for panels placed on non-primary or modern roof slopes.

They are allowed but require careful placement to avoid disturbing burial sites or archaeological remains. A "watching brief" from an archaeologist may be needed during trenching. The DAC will also assess how it impacts the "setting" of the church.

Conservation focuses on reversibility. We use non-invasive mounting systems, such as clamps for standing-seam roofs, that avoid bolting through the fabric. The goal is that the roof remains unchanged if the panels are removed in the future.

You will need a specialist structural engineer to calculate "dead loads" (weight) and "wind loads" (uplift). They will specifically assess the condition of your historic timber frame to ensure it meets modern safety standards.

We analyse your smart meter data to find your maximum energy "spike." We then size the battery and inverter to ensure they can discharge power fast enough to support your heating, lighting, and sound systems simultaneously.

With the LPW scheme ending in March 2026, the current 0% VAT relief becomes even more critical. It provides a specific window for churches to upgrade their energy infrastructure without the burden of VAT.

This fund targets capital works that combine fabric repair with sustainability. Projects that help reach Net Zero while fixing underlying building issues are likely to be prioritised by Historic England.

Yes. The Benefact Trust and National Churches Trust both offer grants that cover energy efficiency. We recommend having your Faculty permission ready before applying to increase your chances of success.

Yes. You can install "Smart" chargers that allow you to set a public tariff. This covers your costs while generating a modest profit to support church funds.

With battery backup, your church can offer "warm spaces" and essential power during local emergencies, turning your green investment into a tool for practical mission and care.

Yes. If you are disturbing tiles or eaves, a bat survey is a legal requirement. If bats are present, we simply time the installation to avoid their nesting season.