Use of Photovoltaic Roof Tiling Systems in Listed Buildings: An Overview of the Current Opinion of England's Conservation Officers

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of a research aimed at investigating the opinions of conservation officers toward the installation of photovoltaic roof tiling systems in buildings of historic importance in England. The study aims at providing useful and new information on the possibilities and limitation of photovoltaic systems in buildings of historic importance to the operators working in the area. The research is based on the analysis of 117 surveys completed by officers working in planning departments in councils across England; including metropolitan districts, London boroughs, unitary authorities, counties and district councils. Results suggest that PV roof tiling systems currently only have a limited application as energy efficiency systems in buildings of historic importance. Consequently, they are only partially known by conservation officers. It also became evident that more succinct legislation on the installation of these systems to listed buildings would provide clearer objectives to the officers in charge of approving or rejecting applications. Lastly, it emerged that the whole system would benefit from stakeholders (such as Historic England and the UK Government) working together to provide more consistent approach when producing guidance documents.