IHBC members may be able to offer local examples and cases relevant to a query from a colleague on heritage settings for solar photovoltaic cells that has arisen as part of a ‘heritage and sustainability’ study under way in Scotland.
Courtney Peyton, of Thirdwave, writes:
I am examining the role that solar photovoltaic PV cells (electricity generating cells, not solar thermal cells which generate hot water) can have and have played in their application to historic fabric.
Driven by climate change legislation, historic buildings’ guidance around this area has been changing in the past few years and both English Heritage and Historic Scotland have published technical and policy notes on the sensitive introduction of micro-renewables (including PV cells). On the ground, uptake has been varied and the application of this guidance by local authorities (including planners, conservation officer and planning committees) appears relatively inconsistent.
I would like to understand views and experiences of colleagues on the installation of PV cells – their suitability/lack of suitability, value (environmental, societal and financial) and their future role.
Additionally, I would very much value some blue skies inputs, for example: ‘If only they could be more X, less Y, they would be more attractive/ acceptable/ useful’, or not, as the case may be.
To help focus on general practice, please take as read that I am excluding
- the contentious issue of installation on A / Grade 1 listed buildings
- installations by ‘cowboys’ that do not take proper account of the fabric, loading, possible wind up lift or reversibility of the cells in situ.
All experiences and views are welcome. I doubt there can be any right answer but I would like to understand recent history and the direction of travel. Responses can be signed or anonymous but will not be made public beyond myself unless you should specifically invite that position.
Responses should be directed to Courtney Peyton? at courtney.peyton@thirdwave.org.uk
