The National Trust
The National Trust is an ardent supporter of solar power having had a number of installations carried out in a number of areas. They care for over 58 places that use solar power, which together generate over 356,384 kilowatt hours (kWhs) of energy.
Under their Renewable Energy Investment programme, they have more than 100 green energy projects up and running and have an additional 43 projects in the pipeline, which will create an extra 11,500,000 kWhs of energy.
Because of the nature of their properties, the positioning of things such as solar panels has to be carefully done so as to not affect the fabric or look of such properties.
All the projects involved solar panels being installed in such a manner that they could not be seen from the ground if they were fitted to a building. Some have been ground installations away from public view and some have even been on a castle.
The power of the sun is being used by modern technology to keep alive properties of great national interest.
The seventh century burial site at Sutton Hoo is being brought into the 21st century with 172 high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) modules installed on the roof of the modern visitor centre buildings. The panels produce around 42,000kWh of electricity each year; enough to supply more than 10 average UK homes.