Business
Powering churches with sustainable solar energy roofs
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Lower costs and strengthen financial stability
With high daytime energy use, churches are perfectly placed to benefit from solar generation. Installing solar panels can significantly reduce your energy costs while protecting against rising prices, helping you lock in long-term savings with predictable, sustainable power. Once installed, solar panels will continue to provide free, renewable energy for decades, offering lasting value and peace of mind for your congregation.
Lead by example in sustainability and resilience
Embracing solar energy demonstrates your commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. By reducing carbon emissions and adopting clean power, your church sets a positive example for the wider community. With the addition of reliable battery storage, you can also ensure a continued energy supply during grid disruptions – keeping your church running smoothly and sustainably in every season.
Experts
Church solar panels: our UK installation process
From site survey to system handover, our end-to-end commercial process ensures precision and minimal disruption.
Site survey
After assessing your site using satellite and topographical data, our team will visit in person to evaluate your roof structure, energy usage, and site layout. This detailed assessment allows us to design a system that supports your church’s daily operations, including considerations for load balancing and future energy needs.
System design
We’ll create a solar solution designed exclusively for your church – taking into account roof condition, available space, shading, and your preferred system aesthetics. With scalability and efficiency in mind, we’ll provide a clear, tailored quote outlining how the system can deliver long-term cost savings and energy resilience.
Installation
Our MCS- and NICEIC-accredited installers work with precision to ensure a smooth installation process with minimal disruption to residents and staff. We use only premium-quality solar components, with options for Tesla Powerwall and GivEnergy battery storage systems to enhance reliability and energy independence.
Ongoing support
Our partnership doesn’t end when your solar system is live. We’ll help you monitor performance, optimise energy usage, and ensure your system runs efficiently for years to come. With dedicated aftercare and responsive technical support, you can count on us to help your church achieve lasting sustainability and long-term savings.
Installation
Installing solar on listed or historic church buildings
Many churches are protected as Grade I or II listed buildings. Our team is experienced in delivering solar systems for heritage sites, working closely with conservation officers to ensure installations preserve the church’s architectural integrity. As an MCS-accredited installer, Purelec applies the same high standards to every project, no matter the size.
Planning permission.
While most roof-mounted systems qualify as permitted development, listed churches or those within conservation areas often require consent. Our team is experienced in delivering solar for these heritage sites. We'll guide you through the process, working closely with conservation officers to ensure the installation preserves the church's architectural integrity.
Grid connection.
For smaller systems (under 3.68 kW per phase, under G98), no prior approval is required. Larger systems (under G99) need permission, and we handle this as part of our end-to-end service. We'll manage the entire application process for you, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free connection. As an MCS-accredited installer, we apply the highest standards to every project, no matter the size.
Installation timeline.
Installing a typical 50kWp system takes around three weeks from setup to completion, though the exact timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the project. Our team is highly experienced in working on listed buildings and will ensure the installation is carried out efficiently while preserving the church's architectural integrity and historical character.
Accredited
Our trusted accreditations
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Reliable maintenance and robust warranties
Purelec’s bespoke approach ensures every solar installation is built for long-term performance. All systems are backed by robust workmanship and manufacturer warranties for lasting peace of mind, with key components such as panels and batteries covered for 10–25 years. Our team can also provide tailored maintenance plans – from periodic inspections to annual servicing – to keep your system performing efficiently year after year.
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Grants for churches to install solar panels
We understand funding can be a key consideration when exploring solar panels for church buildings. Fortunately, there are grants that can help offset costs and accelerate your journey to sustainability. For example, the Church of England offers funding guidance through its Net Zero Carbon Church initiative – outlining grants for church solar panels and other green project support schemes.
Purelec’s team can also advise on local schemes available in your region, helping you make the most of every opportunity.
help
Frequently asked questions
Will installing solar panels disrupt services or church activities?
We work flexibly around worship times, weddings, and community events to keep disruption to a minimum.
Do churches qualify for solar grants?
Yes – there are several solar panel grants for churches and community funding schemes available. We’ll help you identify and apply for them.
Can solar panels be installed on older or listed churches?
Absolutely. Our team specialises in sensitive installations for heritage sites, ensuring the character of your church is preserved.
Do we need planning permission?
Yes, permission is often required for listed or conservation-area churches, but we’ll guide you through every step of the process.
How much can our church save with solar?
Many clients reduce energy costs by 40–50%, with systems often paying for themselves within a few years.
Do we need battery storage?
Battery storage can be valuable for churches that host evening services or community events, storing energy generated during the day for later use.