York Minster, the world-famous Gothic cathedral at the heart of York, has achieved significant energy and cost savings by installing an advanced rooftop solar system.
In its first six months, the 184-panel array has generated more than 42,000kWh of clean electricity, meeting over 80% of the Minster’s energy needs at peak, saving nearly £20,000 in electricity costs and offsetting eight tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
The Church of England has committed to reach net zero by 2030, so the Chapter of York – which oversees York Minster and its seven-hectare estate – sought a solution to reduce carbon emissions and cut costs.
However, for a building with a history of rooftop fires – including a devastating lightning-induced blaze in 1984 that caused millions of pounds worth of damage and took four years to repair – fire safety was of the utmost importance.
Partnering with specialist installer Associated Clean Technologies (ACT), the Chapter selected a SolarEdge system which maximises solar output and minimises electrical and fire risk.
“This is an incredibly important building – it’s the symbol of this great city, the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps, so it has huge international significance.
“However, it is also a building with an unfortunate history of fire,” says Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct for the Chapter of York. “We chose SolarEdge technology primarily for peace of mind.”
He continues: “One of the reassuring aspects is the significant reduction in risk. We worked very closely with our insurance company, EIG, to reassure them, and us, that we were able to address the possible risk to the fabric of this beautiful building [by installing solar].”
ACT designed the system with Power Optimizers installed beneath the solar panels, enabling each panel to operate independently.
This ensures that, unlike conventional solar systems, if any panels are shaded by the Minster’s complex rooftop architecture – which includes pinnacles and towers – any drop in output is limited only to the affected modules, maintaining consistent and high overall energy production.
However, while energy performance was essential, safety was non-negotiable. SolarEdge’s technology is specifically designed to reduce electrical and fire risks in solar installations – an especially important consideration for heritage buildings like York Minster.
“At the core of this safety approach is SafeDC™, a feature designed to automatically reduce high-voltage DC current at the panel level to touch-safe levels when the inverter or grid is shut down. This dramatically lowers the risk of electrical shock, allowing emergency responders or maintenance teams to safely access the roof.
The S-Series Power Optimizers continuously monitor for abnormal heat build-up at the connector level – an early indication of potential faults. If excessive heat is detected, the system can automatically prevent an electrical arc from forming.
To offer further assurance, especially in emergency situations, the installation includes a Firefighter Gateway that is wired into the building’s fire alarm system. This allows the entire solar array to be shut down quickly – either manually or automatically – giving fire crews control of the system during an emergency and ensuring the roof can be accessed safely and without delay.
“We are a huge advocate of the technology for many reasons, but primarily because of its safety features,” said Nicola Newby, Operations Director at ACT.
The installation on York Minster is part of the Neighbourhood Plan, the Chapter of York’s ambitious strategy to decarbonise its estate, which includes more than 50 buildings ranging from residential homes and commercial properties to nationally significant heritage assets.
As one of several projects under this plan, it contributes to a growing portfolio of solar installations across the estate that collectively generate over 120,000 kWh of clean energy each year.
