☀ Solar Panels for Churches
DIOCESE OF EUROPE

Solar panels for Diocese of Europe parishes

Specialist solar PV across 260+ CofE parishes in the Diocese of Europe. Faculty applications via Chancellor Geoffrey Tattersall KC. Diocese in Europe Net Zero Fund grants up to £20,000 per parish. Net zero target 2030.

  • Faculty experienced
  • Diocese of Europe specialists
  • MCS Certified
  • EASA-aligned
260
CofE parishes
£20k
Top diocesan grant
2030
Net zero target
Solar PV installation on a Diocese of Europe parish church

The Diocese in Europe is unique among CofE dioceses — covering all Anglican chaplaincies across continental Europe plus Türkiye, Morocco, and Mongolia. Around 260 chaplaincies and church communities. Bishop Robert Innes is based in Brussels. Funding for European church solar typically combines Buildings for Mission with country-specific renewable programmes (German EEG, French Feed-in Tariff, etc.).

The Diocese of Europe at a glance

Bishop
Bishop Robert Innes
Coverage
Anglican chaplaincies across continental Europe, Türkiye, Morocco, Mongolia
Parishes
~260 CofE parishes
Net zero target
2030
Chancellor (faculty)
Geoffrey Tattersall KC
Capital programme
Diocese in Europe Net Zero Fund
Maximum diocesan grant
£20,000

Notable historic churches in the diocese

Funding stack for Europe parish solar

A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Europe combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:

Grant sourceValue rangeTypical share of capex
Diocese in Europe Net Zero Fund Up to £20,000 30-50%
Buildings for Mission (CofE national, UK installs only) £10,000-£50,000 40-60%
Country-specific renewable energy programmes Variable 20-40%
EU Horizon and other research grants for heritage decarbonisation Variable 5-15%

Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Europe

For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Europe, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, Geoffrey Tattersall KC, on the advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). For a well-prepared solar application, the typical timescale from PCC resolution to faculty grant is 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings, extending to 18-26 weeks for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.

We have prepared faculty applications across the Diocese of Europe and know the DAC office, diocesan architect, and Net Zero Officer personally. See our 2026 PCC guide to faculty jurisdiction for the full process, or our faculty application service page for our delivery approach.

Cities and towns covered in the Diocese of Europe

We deliver across the Anglican chaplaincies across continental Europe, Türkiye, Morocco, Mongolia footprint, with particular activity in:

ParisBrusselsBerlinMadridRomeAthensViennaGenevaStockholmHelsinki

How we work with Diocese of Europe parishes

  1. Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Europe, PCC-ready report inside 7 working days
  2. On-site survey — structural and electrical engineers; engagement with diocesan architect
  3. Faculty application — Statement of Significance, Statement of Needs, DAC consultation, representation at chancery
  4. Grant applications — Diocese in Europe Net Zero Fund, Buildings for Mission, Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme
  5. Install and commission — typically 1-3 weeks on site, with full PCC training and monitoring active
  6. Post-commissioning — Eco Church credit logged, parish magazine feature, annual carbon report

Common questions — Diocese of Europe parish solar

How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Europe have?

Approximately 260 parishes across Anglican chaplaincies across continental Europe, Türkiye, Morocco, Mongolia.

Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Europe?

Geoffrey Tattersall KC grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.

What is the diocese's net zero target?

The Diocese of Europe has committed to net zero by 2030, in line with (or ahead of) the Church of England's national 2030 General Synod commitment.

What grant funding is available for Europe parish solar?

The principal route is the Diocese in Europe Net Zero Fund, with awards up to £20,000. This combines with national Buildings for Mission grants, the Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme, and charitable trust funding to typically cover 50-100% of capex.

How long does a faculty application take in the Diocese of Europe?

For a well-prepared solar faculty application, 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings; longer for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.

Related dioceses and resources

Commercial Solar Across the UK

For wider commercial solar context, visit the hub for commercial solar across the UK.

Adjacent church-school parishes can read more from our school solar specialists.

For healthcare-sector solar see NHS and hospital solar work.

Faith-related charities can see also charity sector solar.

Diocesan trusts as commercial entities can read our UK business solar.

For finance-led commercial solar see PPA and asset finance routes.

Contact Get free feasibility