St Mary’s Church, Wylye, Salisbury, Wiltshire
February 2025
Projected Energy savings of £2,100 per year!
Modern renewable energy technologies can be successfully and sympathetically integrated into
heritage buildings like this Grade II listed church.
Overview:
St. Mary’s Church in Wylye, became the first rural church in the Wiltshire area to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, marking a significant milestone in both renewable energy adoption and the conservation of heritage structures.
This Grade II listed church, presented unique challenges that demanded careful planning and execution in order to sympathetically integrate modern technology whilst preserving the historical charm and structural integrity of the building.
Project Objectives:
The primary goal was to reduce the church’s reliance on grid electricity, lowering energy costs, and making the facility more sustainable.
The church sought to achieve a high level of self-sufficiency while reducing its environmental impact. With the solar PV system, St. Mary’s Church were expected to produce an impressive 9,388 kWh per annum, which would provide around 72% of its total energy needs from solar power.
System Specification:
SGS were chosen to carry out the installation of this bespoke solar solution, comprising:
- 22 x 445W Trina All-Black Panels: These high-efficiency panels were chosen not only for their energy output but also for their sleek, aesthetic design that complements the church’s traditional appearance.
- Huawei Optimisers: Each panel was fitted with a Huawei optimiser, enabling individual panel monitoring. This feature ensures that every panel is performing optimally, allowing for quick identification of any issues and the maintenance of maximum efficiency.
- Huawei 8kW 3-Phase Hybrid Inverter: This inverter is designed to handle the complex energy requirements of the church, efficiently converting DC energy from the solar panels into usable AC energy for the building.
- 15kW Battery Storage: The addition of battery storage ensures that surplus energy generated during the day can be stored for use at night or during cloudy periods, maximizing self-sufficiency.
Key Challenges and Solutions:
Given the church’s Grade II listing, special consideration was needed to preserve the building’s historic character while installing the system.
The project required several bespoke elements:
- Aesthetic and Structural Integrity: To meet the requirements for the church’s listing, all electrical containment was installed in steel conduit. This allowed the necessary cabling and wiring to blend seamlessly with the church’s architecture while ensuring durability and safety.
- Cloud-Based Fire Alarm System: To enhance safety, a cloud-based fire alarm system was installed. This system is designed to alert the church owners and relevant authorities in the event of a fire, ensuring quick response times and reducing potential risks.
- Fire Suppression System: The equipment chosen for the installation included a built-in fire suppression system. This precautionary measure ensures that any electrical faults or overheating are immediately addressed to protect both the solar system and the church.
Environmental and Economic Impact:
The solar PV system at St. Mary’s Church is projected to deliver substantial environmental benefits, including:
- CO2 Reduction: The system is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,944 kg per year, the equivalent of eliminating 6,942 car miles. This is a significant contribution to the church’s sustainability goals.
- Cost Savings: With the projected annual generation of 9,388 kWh, the church is expected to save around £2,100 per year on its electricity bills. These savings will significantly offset the costs of maintaining the building while supporting ongoing preservation efforts.
Project Completion:
This project not only provides significant financial and environmental benefits, but also sets a precedent for other rural and heritage churches looking to embrace sustainable energy solutions.
The church now enjoys a reliable, sustainable energy source that aligns with both its historical significance and future energy needs.
Conclusion:
This project not only provides significant financial and environmental benefits, but also sets a precedent for other rural and heritage churches looking to embrace sustainable energy solutions.
The successful installation of solar PV at St. Mary’s Church, Wylye, showcases how, with careful planning and execution, modern renewable energy technologies can be sympathetically integrated into heritage buildings, even Grade II listed buildings like St Mary’s Church.
-
Projected to produce an impressive 9,388 kWh per annum
-
Solar Power will provide around 72% of the Church’s total energy needs
-
An energy saving of around £2,100 per year on electricity bills
-
CO2 emissions reduced by 1,944 kg per year, equivalent of 6,942 car miles.
Reasons to choose SGS:
We’ve been serving Salisbury and the surrounding areas of Wiltshire, Hampshire & Dorset for almost 40 years and we’ve built a trusted reputation for quality workmanship and reliable services.
- Which? Trusted Trader
- MCS accredited Solar Panel Installer
- NICEIC Registered
- CheckaTrade members
- Great 5 star Reviews
YOUR SINGLE SOLUTION TO PROPERTY CARE
If you’re thinking of going solar or are interested in energy-saving solutions for your home or commercial premises, get in touch with SGS to discuss the options available.
☎️ 01722 331066
Related Community Projects ⬇️