Coventry Cathedral has become the first in the UK to install solar panels on its roof. Working in partnership with solar specialists EOS Energy and the Renewable Energy Technology Alliance, a 50kW photovoltaic array of 178 panels is due to be installed.

Jane Woodward, the Cathedral’s Executive Director said: “It’s a Grade-I listed building and we are fortunate in Coventry because many cathedrals have quite steep pitched roofs behind shady parapets whereas ours is fairly flat. It will make us the first cathedral in country to have solar panels on the roof. It’s not just about saving money on our energy bills – we are committed to the idea of renewable energy and climate protection.”

The Cathedral already has an established partnership with EOS and has already received a payment of £1200 for commission on orders generated.

This flagship project is part of the city’s efforts to get Coventry in good shape ready for the thousands of visitors expected for next year’s Olympic football games taking part at The Ricoh Arena.