When casually strolling through your city, you may notice the beauty of older historic buildings in your area. Some have a certain charm, while others have aged dramatically, left unattended, and at the mercy of time. When we consider combining modern technology—like solar energy—with that sort of history, it’s important to do so carefully and with consideration. Can you have the best of both worlds—preserve the charm of your historic building and embrace the future with solar panels? The short answer is yes! But like all good things, it requires a little finesse.
Historic buildings are like fine wine—they can improve with age. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune to the modern world’s demands. More and more, owners of architecturally sensitive properties are looking to lower energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint while still respecting the integrity of the building. So, how do we make it work?
Structural Integrity
Just because a building is historic or has architectural significance doesn’t mean it’s an automatic “no” for solar. While it's true that installing solar panels on some historic or protected buildings can be a bit trickier, the truth is that there are plenty of ways to make it happen while keeping the building’s character intact.
Modern solutions, from sleek, low-profile panels to non-invasive mounting systems, can blend into the structure without detracting from its appeal. It’s all about finding the right approach that aligns with both your energy goals and the preservation guidelines. For instance, to avoid load distribution issues, it’s important to conduct structural assessments to ensure the weight is evenly distributed across the roof, should you choose rooftop solar. This can only be done by an experienced solar energy provider like Catalyst Power.
Best Practices for Solar on Historic Buildings
There are a few considerations when approaching historic buildings with any considerable changes.
Early consultation: Before you start dreaming of solar-powered rooftop glory, there’s one big thing to consider: permissions. Most historic and architecturally sensitive buildings are protected by local, state, or federal regulations, so you'll need to get the green light before proceeding. That means checking with your local historic preservation office or architectural review board to understand the specific rules that apply to your building. “Most sustainable energy conservation efforts are very compatible and complement historic buildings,” according to Mark Huck, restoration architect, via the New York Times. “[photovoltaic] installation on a visible roof is one of the few exceptions.”
Fortunately, many jurisdictions are now more open to renewable energy installations on historic buildings. After all, sustainability is a good look for both the past and the future. That said, there may be specific guidelines regarding how and where panels can be installed. For example, you might not be able to mount panels on the front of a building, but the back or a less visible section might be fair game. You could also be required to use certain materials or mounting systems that don’t harm the building’s structure.
Installation types: When it comes to solar panels on historic buildings, creativity is key. That means avoiding installation methods that could damage the structure or its aesthetic. For example, ballast or clamp mounts are great alternatives to traditional penetrative mounting systems that might puncture the roof or alter the building's character.
Catalyst Power's Connected Microgrid® uses ballast-mounted systems for all its rooftop installations to avoid causing roof damage to your building.
Aesthetics matter: According to the National Park Service, “an installation that negatively impacts the historic character of a property will not meet the standards.” Basically, you can’t put an eyesore on a gorgeous historical site. Visibility is often the primary concern regarding solar installations on historic structures. You may need to consider ground-mounted systems or more low-profile sections of the property so as not to distract from the historical significance of the building. Let’s minimize visual impact while promoting resilience!
Preserve and Proceed
When you partner with Catalyst Power, you can certainly balance preservation with progress. With careful planning, innovative design, and collaboration between solar experts and preservationists, we can bridge the gap between honoring our past and securing a sustainable future. Looking for a clean energy upgrade to your historic building? Contact our Energy Experts to learn how we can spruce up the space!
