Chester Cathedral Installs Solar Panels
The Diocese of Chester reports that it has installed 206 solar panels on the roof of the diocesan cathedral to reduce its carbon footprint.
It is projected that the panels will produce approximately 25% of the electricity needs of the building.
The panels are different than other types of solar panels because they are designed to sit on the roof rather than be permanently affixed. It is unclear as to how the panels will keep from being blown off the roof in a gale.
The Very Revd Dr Tim Stafford, Dean of Chester Cathedral was reported as having remarked that the diocese was “determined to be responsible and set a good example.”
He continued, “For us, sustainability includes ensuring that we are doing everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint and lessen our negative impact on our planet, and reduced costs mean we can fund the essential work carried out on our magnificent cathedral.”
Chester Cathedral is now the third diocesan cathedral in the Church of England to have installed solar panels. The other two are Gloucester and Salisbury.
The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Mark Tanner and Dean Stafford held a special blessing ceremony from the rooftop after the installation.
