Solar tiles to make listed church greenest in London

09/04/09

Saint Silas Church, Pentonville, is set to be the greenest grade II listed church in the Diocese of London. The church has become the first in the capital, and possibly the country, to be granted planning permission to install solar tiles on its roof.

The solar tiles are designed to be a similar colour and size as those on the current Welsh slate roof, making it possible for the church to be more environmentally friendly without altering the appearance of the roof.
Because of this landmark decision the installed solar tiles will generate an estimated 47% of power requirements, whilst reducing carbon emissions by over 7000 kg per annum. They will even sell green energy back to the National Grid.

The Church has already raised £155,000 to fund the new roof, but still needs more donations to reach its target of £369,000.

It is possible to follow progress on The Big Roof Project online at: www.saint-silas.org.uk.

The Parish Priest, Father Shaun Richards said:

"Our roof needs urgent replacement. A church roof is replaced once in a lifetime, so this is an exciting opportunity to build on the commitment Saint Silas has made to reduce its carbon footprint, by installing solar energy.

"These tiles would allow us to cut our carbon emissions and our spending on electricity without altering the appearance of the church."

Brian Cuthbertson, Head of Environment Challenge at the Diocese of London said:

"The renewal of the roof at St Silas's Church is a chance to build in 'photo-voltaic slates' to generate solar power. This is an innovative project that offers an excellent example of how our churches can take a lead in addressing the challenge of climate change."