UK church solar projects are different from commercial solar installs in one fundamental way: the customer is a volunteer-led body (the PCC) making decisions by consensus, often with limited capital and constrained meeting cycles. We've designed our process around that reality. PCC commitment is limited to four substantive meetings and hosting the on-site survey. Everything else sits with us.
01
Free desk feasibility (Week 1)
You share twelve months of electricity bills and a few roof photos. We model the system, identify grant routes, and send a PCC-ready report within 7 working days. No charge, no obligation. Most parishes proceed from here; some learn that solar doesn't make sense and that's a valuable answer too.
02
PCC meeting and resolution (Weeks 2–4)
Your PCC reviews the feasibility report. Often we join the PCC meeting by phone or in person to answer technical and faculty questions. PCC votes to authorise an on-site survey and proceed to formal proposal stage.
03
On-site survey and detailed proposal (Weeks 3–6)
Structural and electrical engineers visit the church (typically half a day on site). Diocesan architect engaged at this stage for listed buildings. We share a fixed-price proposal with detailed drawings, system specification, grant strategy and project timeline.
04
Faculty and Listed Building Consent (Weeks 6–22)
For CofE parishes: Statement of Significance, Statement of Needs, DAC consultation, public notice, Chancellor's grant. For listed buildings: Listed Building Consent runs in parallel. Catholic and free-church builds use the civil planning route only. Typical timescale: 10–18 weeks non-listed/Grade II, 18–26 weeks Grade II*, 24–40 weeks Grade I.
05
Grant applications (Weeks 6–22, parallel)
Buildings for Mission (CofE), diocesan capital programmes, Methodist Net Zero, Catholic diocesan funds, Allchurches Trust, Listed Places of Worship VAT — whichever apply to your parish. We draft the technical and financial sections; you provide mission and stewardship narrative.
06
DNO and contract (Weeks 18–26)
G98 or G99 grid connection application to your DNO. Final contract signed once faculty, grants and DNO approval secured. Approximately half of parish projects we work on take longer than 6 months at this stage due to DNO connection timelines; we manage this and keep the PCC informed.
07
Install, commission and Eco Church (Months 6–14)
On site for 1–4 weeks (1 week typical for sub-25 kW, 3–4 weeks for cathedral-scale). Commissioning, monitoring active, PCC training. Eco Church credit logged. Parish magazine feature and (often) a community open day. Buildings for Mission completion report submitted; LPW VAT claim submitted within 12 months.
What happens if something goes wrong
- DAC asks for changes: we redesign and resubmit. Average 2–4 weeks of additional time.
- Buildings for Mission unsuccessful: we resubmit in the next round with diocesan feedback incorporated, or pivot to other grant routes (Allchurches Trust, local foundations, parish fundraising).
- DNO connection delays: we sometimes can adjust system size to fit a faster G98 connection if G99 is delayed.
- Heritage objection: we engage Historic England pre-application and rarely see objections. If they do arise, we work with the conservation officer to find an acceptable design.
- Project genuinely cannot proceed: we tell you honestly and refund any pre-payments. We do not pursue projects that don't make sense.
Common PCC questions about the process
How long does the whole process take?
6–14 months from PCC resolution to commissioning. Non-listed buildings with a hall can move in 4–7 months. Grade I listed cathedrals can take 18–30 months. Most parish churches sit in the 8–12 month range.
How much of the work do we (the PCC) do?
Three or four PCC meetings (resolution, review of survey, faculty decision, final contract). Hosting the on-site survey. Providing electricity bills and any historic photos. We do everything else — faculty drafting, grant applications, DNO liaison, project management.
When do we have to commit financially?
Not until after faculty and grant decisions are confirmed. The on-site survey and proposal stage are free. We only invoice once contracts are signed, which is typically after the faculty and main grant are approved.
What if the diocese says no?
Faculty refusals are rare for properly-prepared applications (we've never had one). If the DAC asks for modifications, we redesign and resubmit. If for any reason the project genuinely cannot proceed, you've incurred no cost beyond the time of the on-site survey.
Can we visit a recent install before committing?
Yes. We can arrange visits to PCC officers at recent install parishes within reasonable travel of your church. Most parishes find this the single most valuable step in their decision process.