The latest in solar pv technology has been approved for homes in the Cotswold area, after a lengthy battle to install the energy saving measures.

Solar pv generates free electricity for homeowners

Laura and William Watts have been campaigning to have the solar pv slates approved at their property near Cirencester, after the district council initially rejected their appeal. The Watts’ home is a 19th century listed building and the council believed installing the solar PV would “visually harm” the farmhouse’s appeal and result in “loss of historic fabric”.

However, the couple continued to support the solar slates, saying they looked identical to the existing tiles and eventually the planning committee backtracked to allow the solar pv.

Mr Watts said: “We feel they’re a very elegant and attractive solution for our barn roof and they will not damage the building’s historic fabric,” he said. “In 2010 we brought a somewhat decrepit house and have breathed more life into it.

“We’ve done extensive work to the building to make it sustainable.”

The Watts couple have been fixated on making their property as efficient as possible and the solar PV slates are just the latest in a long line of upgrades. Other home improvements have included a biomass boiler, draught rubber excluders in the floorboards, upgraded windows and rainwater harvesting.

The Watts had originally planned to use normal solar pv panels for their property, but were forced away because of the council’s strict policy regarding listed buildings. The solar pv slates, whilst more expensive, will be installed on the southwest facing roof, where sunlight can be captured.

These solar pv slates will generate free electricity by harnessing the natural energy of the sun and reduce the couple’s bills. As an environmentally friendly energy source, they’ll also help to cut carbon emissions, which is one of their main priorities.

And the district councillor Carole Topple has even praised the pair for the environmental work they have done.
She said: “What an amazing job they’ve done to try and bring this building into the 21st century and making it a family home. Everything they’ve done so far has been to the highest standard to make this house as energy efficient and self-contained as possible.

“The inside roof is in a very concealed garden and can’t be seen from any public vantage point. We’re preserving, to a huge extent, the historic value of this farmhouse in the centre of the village.”

For listed properties or homes in Conservation Areas, it’s extremely unlikely that solar pv panels will be granted permission. For this case alone, it would be more viable to pursue the solar pv slates, as they don’t change the building’s aesthetic appeal and are more likely to be viewed favourably for your local council.