Historic buildings have long sat on the sidelines of the energy transition. Strict heritage rules and aesthetic considerations kept solar out of the conversation, even where expansive rooftops went unused. Today, the challenge for the sector is to reconcile renewable energy goals with architectural preservation.
Oslo pilot shows how public buildings can pair solar and green roofs
New developments in building-integrated photovoltaics are making this increasingly achievable. Advanced solar roof tiles designed to blend with traditional roofing make PV viable without compromising visual integrity. Swiss building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) specialist SunStyle, for example, produces modules that function as both roofing material and energy generator. With advanced coating technologies, its tiles come in a range of colours and textures, turning the roof into an active design element and a source of clean power. The Sarpsborg church in Norway is a prime example. Rebuilt after a fire in 1861 and renovated several times, the church received SunStyle's flat-profile solar tiles in 2019 to preserve its neo-Gothic character while generating renewable electricity.
Digital modelling and satellite imagery allow planners to create 3D models of cities and towns to accurately assess PV potential, also for historic districts. These tools identify optimal solar locations and support the business case for meeting international sustainability standards such as BREEAM. For the sector, this means faster project development and more inclusive solar strategies.
How digital mapping is accelerating rooftop PV adoption
Financial incentives are also evolving. Foundations, charities and local authorities routinely fund heritage renovations, and integrating solar opens access to additional national and EU funding for renewables. Including PV in historic renovations can unlock new policy incentives and qualify projects for broader sustainability funding. Lower electricity costs support long-term preservation, while landmark projects serve as powerful examples for homeowners, businesses and facility managers. (TF)
You can read more about the Sarpsborg church and other pioneering BIPV projects here.
Heritage buildings: an untapped resource for renewables
