The Diocese of Salisbury was a pioneer of CofE parish energy strategy and runs one of the best-resourced diocesan Energy Funds. Around 440 parishes across Wiltshire and Dorset benefit from a structured capital programme, mature DAC processes, and a strong Eco Church community of practice. Salisbury Cathedral itself hosts a notable 76 kW visitor-centre installation.
The Diocese of Salisbury at a glance
- Bishop
- Bishop Stephen Lake
- Coverage
- Wiltshire, Dorset
- Parishes
- ~440 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- Ruth Arlow
- Capital programme
- Salisbury Diocese Energy Fund
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £30,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- Salisbury Cathedral (tallest medieval spire in Britain)
- Sherborne Abbey
- Wimborne Minster
- St Mary's Marlborough
- Bournemouth Priory Church
Funding stack for Salisbury parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Salisbury combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Salisbury Diocese Energy Fund | Up to £30,000 | 50-70% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme | 20% of capex | 20% |
| Allchurches Trust | £1,000-£25,000 | 5-15% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Salisbury
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Salisbury, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, Ruth Arlow, 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 Salisbury 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 Salisbury
We deliver across the Wiltshire, Dorset footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of Salisbury parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Salisbury, 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 — Salisbury Diocese Energy Fund, 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 Salisbury parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Salisbury have?
Approximately 440 parishes across Wiltshire, Dorset.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Salisbury?
Ruth Arlow grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of Salisbury 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 Salisbury parish solar?
The principal route is the Salisbury Diocese Energy Fund, with awards up to £30,000. 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 Salisbury?
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.