The Diocese of Portsmouth covers South Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with around 140 parishes. Portsmouth Cathedral (St Thomas of Canterbury) was originally a medieval parish church, elevated to cathedral status in 1927. Strong naval-heritage churches alongside Solent coastal congregations and the rural Isle of Wight estate.
The Diocese of Portsmouth at a glance
- Bishop
- Bishop Jonathan Frost
- Coverage
- South Hampshire including the Solent coast, the Isle of Wight
- Parishes
- ~140 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- Mark Hill KC
- Capital programme
- Portsmouth Diocese Carbon Reduction Strategy
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £18,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- Portsmouth Cathedral (St Thomas of Canterbury, Anglican)
- St John's Cathedral Portsmouth (RC)
- Royal Garrison Church (ruin)
- St Mary's Portsea
- Newport Minster (St Thomas, Isle of Wight)
Funding stack for Portsmouth parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Portsmouth combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth Diocese Carbon Reduction Strategy | Up to £18,000 | 30-50% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| 0% VAT on the installation (energy-saving materials relief) | Zero-rated to 31 Mar 2027 | 0% VAT |
| Solent Freeport Enhanced Capital Allowances | Tax relief | 5-10% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Portsmouth
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Portsmouth, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, Mark Hill 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
We deliver across the South Hampshire including the Solent coast, the Isle of Wight footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of Portsmouth parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Portsmouth, PCC-ready report inside 7 working days
- On-site survey — structural and electrical engineers; engagement with diocesan architect
- Faculty application — Statement of Significance, Statement of Needs, DAC consultation, representation at chancery
- Grant applications — Portsmouth Diocese Carbon Reduction Strategy, Buildings for Mission, Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme
- Install and commission — typically 1-3 weeks on site, with full PCC training and monitoring active
- Post-commissioning — Eco Church credit logged, parish magazine feature, annual carbon report
Common questions — Diocese of Portsmouth parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Portsmouth have?
Approximately 140 parishes across South Hampshire including the Solent coast, the Isle of Wight.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Portsmouth?
Mark Hill KC grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth parish solar?
The principal route is the Portsmouth Diocese Carbon Reduction Strategy, with awards up to £18,000. 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 Portsmouth?
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
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