York Minster’s solar rooftop marries green energy with safety

York Minster, the iconic 800-year-old cathedral, is proving that ancient heritage and cutting-edge green technology can coexist, achieving major sustainability wins without compromising safety.

In just six months since its commissioning, a new 184-panel rooftop solar array has generated over 42,000 kWh of clean energy. This meets more than 80% of the Minster’s peak power needs, slashing electricity costs by nearly £20,000 and offsetting eight tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The project marks a significant step toward the Church of England’s 2030 net-zero operational target.

For a building with a history of rooftop fires, including a devastating 1984 blaze, safety was paramount. The Chapter of York, the cathedral’s governing body, partnered with specialist Associated Clean Technologies to install SolarEdge’s DC-optimised system, chosen specifically for its advanced fire safety features.

Key to the installation is SafeDC technology, which automatically reduces high-voltage current to safe levels during shutdowns, protecting emergency responders. The system also includes continuous thermal monitoring to detect faulty connections and a dedicated Firefighter Gateway, allowing the entire solar array to be shut down instantly if the building’s fire alarm is triggered.

As part of a broader Neighbourhood Plan to decarbonise its seven-hectare estate, the Minster’s solar success demonstrates that even the most historic landmarks can lead a secure and sustainable energy future.

Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct for the Chapter of York said: ‘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.

‘One of the reassuring [aspects] of [SolarEdge technology] 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].’