Heritage site goes green

An iconic Northumberland heritage site cared for by the National Trust is set to go green thanks to solar power.

Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island has had 48 solar panels fitted on the roof in order to generate electricity, the Castle’s only source of power.

The panels, which would only be visible to those with a birds eye view of the 16th Century Tudor Fort, are hoped to generate just under 10,000 KWh of electricity each year, reducing the charities bills by approximately 10% and saving 5.2 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of travelling almost 24,000 miles in an average car.

The installation design has taken into account the aesthetics and historical importance of the building by ensuring that there will be no loading or direct contact of the panels or frame on the roof itself.

The 12 Kw photo-voltaic system is mounted onto a steel frame immediately above the East Bedroom in the Castle and linked through cables to the main electrical distribution system. Each panel is fitted with a micro Enecsys inverter  which switches individual panels off should they be in shadow. A monitor in the Castle’s office will enable the National Trust to see how much energy is being generated at any one time.

The installation of solar at Lindisfarne Castle is a great example of the successful use of new and green technologies on a heritage site.

The panels were installed thanks to national renewable energy contractor Lister Electrical of York working with Enlightened Solar.

Using their design knowledge they were able to provide the national trust with a bespoke solution, for a unique building, utilising the very latest technology, coupled with an innovative engineering solution.

• For more information about J. Lister Electrical please visit their website www.listerelectrical.com.