Solar panels are so trendy right now that even historical structures are hopping onto the green-energy bandwagon. Gloucester Cathedral—a religious site since the 670s with existing architectural elements dating back nearly 1,000 years (and a Harry Potter filming location!)—will soon get up to 200 solar panels atop the roof of its south nave. Nearly 100 feet off the ground, the panels will be effectively hidden from view.
The commercially-sized panel system is projected to produce enough energy to cut the cathedral’s power bill by 25 percent. According to the church, that’s “enough to make 2,000 cups of tea every day of the year.”
Roughly 90 percent of the project’s funding has already been raised over the past year.
“The installation of solar panels on this remarkable building is a historic moment,” said Reverend Canon Celia Thomson at the recent installation of the inaugural panel. “We are thrilled that our vision to become a greener cathedral is being fulfilled and proud to make a valuable contribution to the Church of England’s Shrinking the Footprint campaign.”