St Albans Cathedral is taking another important step on its journey to Net Zero with the installation of solar panels on the Canon Chancellor’s house at 2 Sumpter Yard this August.
The project will see 19 south-facing solar panels fitted to the property, generating an estimated 8,000 kWh of clean electricity each year. This is more than twice the amount needed to power the house itself, with any surplus energy exported back to the national grid. The scheme is expected to reduce carbon emissions, provide renewable energy and create a new source of income for the Cathedral.
What makes the project particularly significant is that St Albans Cathedral will become the first Church of England organisation to take part in Octopus Energy’s innovative Tenant Power scheme. The scheme enables the benefits of solar power to be shared between both landlord and tenant, with the resident receiving discounted electricity while the Cathedral benefits from an annual financial return.
If successful, the initiative could provide a template for other churches, cathedrals and faith organisations looking to make renewable energy projects both environmentally and financially sustainable.
Fr Will Gibbs, Chapter Lead on the Environment, said:
“We are super excited to see the first solar panels at St Alban’s Cathedral as part of our commitment to the environment and our journey towards Net Zero. We hope that the difference they make will help us to follow this up with further panels on our building in the near future.”
In addition to generating renewable energy, the project is expected to prevent around 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year, delivering an environmental benefit comparable to planting more than 70 trees.
The work will also include the complete renewal of the property’s roof in slate, helping to enhance and protect this historic part of the Cathedral precincts. The solar panels themselves will not be visible from Sumpter Yard, ensuring the character of the area is preserved.
Rev’d Jennifer, who occupies the property, welcomed the initiative:
“I am so pleased that the house I occupy has been chosen for this exciting and innovative project. Supporting the Cathedral’s drive towards Net Zero is so important as we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to working for the good of our planet, for ourselves and for those who will come after us.”
Work is expected to begin in late August and be completed by mid-September, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
The installation reflects the Cathedral’s wider commitment to environmental stewardship and its target of reaching Carbon Net Zero by 2030. Following its recent Silver Eco Church Award from A Rocha UK, the Cathedral continues to build on its sustainability achievements, with work already underway towards achieving Gold status.
By combining innovation, care for the environment and sensitivity to its historic setting, the Sumpter Yard solar project demonstrates how heritage organisations can play a leading role in creating a greener future for generations to come.
