In an effort to combat growing energy costs, governors of the UK started to implement sustainable solutions in the hope to encouraging more people to be willing to consider such options. The Cathedrals Fabric Commission and the City of York Council both gave their approval to the proposal to put 199 solar panels on the roof of the South Quire Aisle. The endeavor is a part of the cathedral’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.
The panels are anticipated to provide 75,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity annually, which will be used to power both daytime activities and evening programs. According to a spokeswoman for the Ministry, a panel would also be erected inside the building to show how much electricity the solar panels have generated and how much carbon has been avoided.
The Dean of York Minster has engaged Historic England and the Cathedrals Fabric Commission to ensure the panels are sensitive to the area’s ancient architecture. York’s status as a city is supported by the “outstanding architectural and cultural significance” of the Minster, which is why the Minister is so dedicated to delivering key decarbonization projects.