Solar panels for Hampshire churches

Hampshire's church estate is split between two CofE dioceses: Winchester (covering most of Hampshire plus the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey) and Portsmouth (the Solent coast and Isle of Wight). Winchester Cathedral is the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe by floor area. The Solent Freeport Enhanced Capital Allowances scheme applies to certain Hampshire commercial properties including some church sites adjacent to freeport zones.

Notable churches in Hampshire

• Winchester Cathedral (longest Gothic cathedral in Europe)
• Portsmouth Cathedral (St Thomas of Canterbury)
• St Cross Hospital Winchester
• St Mary's Southampton (Saxon foundation)
• Christchurch Priory
• St Michael's Basingstoke

Funding picture in Hampshire

Winchester (£20k) and Portsmouth (£18k) diocesan programmes combine with Buildings for Mission, the 0% VAT rate for charitable-use buildings (to 31 March 2027) and Solent Freeport Enhanced Capital Allowances for qualifying sites to typically cover 60-90% of capex. A typical funded parish project in Hampshire combines national Buildings for Mission with the diocesan capital programme, Listed Places of Worship VAT for listed buildings, and (often) Allchurches Trust or local foundation grants. Combined coverage of 60-90% of capex is achievable for well-prepared projects.

For full diocese-specific detail see our Diocese of Winchester page or our complete grants and funding guide.

Towns and cities we cover in Hampshire

How we work in Hampshire

1. Free desk feasibility — typically inside 7 working days. PCC-ready report covering system size, capex, available grants, payback model.
2. On-site survey — structural and electrical engineers visit. Diocesan architect engaged for listed buildings.
3. Faculty / Listed Building Consent — for CofE parishes; civil regime for non-CofE buildings.
4. Grant applications — Buildings for Mission, diocesan capital, charitable trusts.
5. Install and commission — typically 1-3 weeks on site for most parish projects.