Installing Solar Panels In The Vicinity of A Listed Building

As spring was showing signs of breaking through in 2011 we were approached by a property owner about a project which excited us greatly. The idea was to install a 4KW system on a converted barn. The only snag was that it was in the vicinity of a listed building and therefore required planning consent.

The Greener Group has experience and success in applying for planning permission. The customer was happy and relieved that we were able to put forward the planning application, liaise with the council and generally get the whole project moving.

Having completed a number of installations which have required planning permission we have managed to strike up a good working relationship with Cheshire West and Chester Council. Fortunately we have been able to have sensible conversations about the best way to move the project forward with both parties understanding that consideration must be given to the local environment and surrounding architecture.

The initial idea we put forward to the council was to install a 4KW Sanyo solar array on the roof, along with 2 solar thermal panels. This idea was quickly rejected as it was too intrusive and impacted the surrounding area too greatly. At this stage it was back to the drawing board whilst we devised an alternative solution.

Solar Slates to the Rescue!

We were aware of a new product on the market recently developed by Solar Century, the integrated C21e Solar Slate. It has been developed over the last 2 years to work in tandem with existing or new build slate roofs. After requesting a sample and viewing some existing installations we knew this was a credible alternative to the on roof system we had earlier proposed.

The barn roof was in bad need of re-slating as the elements had taken their toll over the years and gaps, cracks and even holes had appeared. This meant it actually made sense to re-slate the roof during the solar installation. Armed with this ammo we went back to Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) with a new plan.

Having put this new proposal forward to the planners it was out of our hands again. Discussions went backwards and forwards between the system designer and council conservation officers and also internally between departments within the council. After an uncertain two weeks waiting whilst the proposal was analysed and decisions were made we finally got the green light, we could go ahead! Since that great news was received in July we have been putting things in motion to prepare for the solar slate installation due to commence during the first couple of weeks in August 2011.

Being one of the only solar slate installations in the area The Greener Group are pushing the boundaries of what previously might have failed to gain planning permission. Thanks must therefore be given to CWAC for having an open mind to this new eco friendly technology. Let's hope it's the start of something big in the Chester and Cheshire area.

Job Done! After an interesting few months and steep learning curve, The Greener Group are very proud to show you the completed Solar Century Solar Slate installation. We are all extremely happy with the outcome and think that it looks amazing. It has certainly achieved the goal of being less intrusive than on roof systems and the customer is very pleased with the end result, so much so she said to a freind interested in solar "You would be be mad not to go with The Greener Group!". The Solar Slate project is also getting some media attention, click here.
	Solar Century C21e Solar Tile If you are re-roofing or need to maintain the look of your roof and want to integrate solar electric technology, the C21e solar electric roof tiles and solar slates are the perfect solution. Solar Century’s C21e solar electric tiles and slates deliver excellent performance and provide a perfect complement to a traditional tile or slate roof. They replace the conventional roof tiles or slates so that the appearance of your roof is changed too much and are less intrusive than on roof systems.. Installation is as simple as conventional re-roofing. The Greener Group is one of the few solar installation companies in the North West of England who have experience in installing solar slates. If you have a project suitable for solar slates please do not hesitate to contact us. We can help you design and build the right solar system for your property.

If you have any questions regarding the above installation or would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact us. We have an experienced team who are happy to help.