Lighting the way forward

A church is seeking permission to install 56 solar panels on its roof.

If approved, the photovoltaic panels would go on the south aisle roof of Holy Trinity Church, Southwell.

They would cost £44,000 to install and could provide 9.8 kilowatts of electricity.

Church warden Mr Stephen Perry said they wanted to install the panels to help reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

He said: “It will also give free energy for the church during the day and hopefully we will get enough to put some back into the grid so we will be powering homes in Southwell from our green source.”

Mr Perry said the church roof was an ideal location for solar panels.

He said: “The church has got a lovely south-facing aisle roof, which is on a lower level to the main roof and it is ideal for solar panels.”

The church, which was built in 1844, is listed for protection.

According to the application, the panels would be dark blue glass in an aluminium frame to blend in with the roof, which is tiled in dark blue or grey slate.

Mr Perry said: “We are hoping Newark and Sherwood is going to get behind the idea and behind getting green energy in the town.

“We have got the problem of having a heritage building and if we are going to put these on then it will alter the outside appearance slightly.

“It is a nice looking old building but we wanted to do something to make it a functioning building.”

Mr Perry hoped the church would be an example for others.

He said: “It would be really nice if people could come and have a look at what we have done and be inspired and think if the church can do it then I can do it.”

The application has been submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council.