The Diocese of Winchester covers most of Hampshire plus the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), with around 250 parishes. The Winchester Net Zero Programme supports parish solar alongside Buildings for Mission. The diocese hosts Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe by floor area.
The Diocese of Winchester at a glance
- Bishop
- Bishop Philip Mounstephen
- Coverage
- Hampshire (most), the Channel Islands
- Parishes
- ~250 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- Christopher Clark
- Capital programme
- Winchester Diocese Net Zero Programme
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £20,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- Winchester Cathedral (longest Gothic cathedral in Europe)
- St Cross Hospital Winchester
- St Thomas's Portsmouth (overlapping with Portsmouth diocese)
- Christchurch Priory
- St Michael's Basingstoke
Funding stack for Winchester parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Winchester combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Winchester Diocese Net Zero Programme | Up to £20,000 | 30-50% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme | 20% of capex | 20% |
| Solent Freeport Enhanced Capital Allowances | Tax relief | 5-10% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Winchester
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Winchester, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, Christopher Clark, 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 Winchester 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 Winchester
We deliver across the Hampshire (most), the Channel Islands footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of Winchester parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Winchester, 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 — Winchester Diocese Net Zero Programme, 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 Winchester parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Winchester have?
Approximately 250 parishes across Hampshire (most), the Channel Islands.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Winchester?
Christopher Clark grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of Winchester 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 Winchester parish solar?
The principal route is the Winchester Diocese Net Zero Programme, 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 Winchester?
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.