HISTORIC Dunster Castle has launched itself into the 21st century by becoming the National Trust's first Grade One listed building to install solar panels. The 24 photovoltaic panels - officially unveiled this week - form part of a three-year plan to reduce the carbon footprint of the centuries-old castle. They are expected to provide a significant source of renewable energy - the equivalent of that consumed by two ordinary family homes. The castle's property manager William Wake said: "Saving energy, along with reducing water consumption, increasing recycling, promoting green transport and many other initiatives, will play a crucial part in this." Mr Wake said the photovoltaic cells themselves would generate 5,500 kilowatt-hours per year of electricity, meaning the castle would not have to import power from the fossil-fuelled National Grid, thereby saving almost 3,000kg of CO2 a year. "That's the equivalent of travelling almost 14,000 miles in an average car," he said. "As a Grade One listed building we have been very conscious of the potential impact of installing photovoltaic cells on the historic fabric of the castle. "The design has sensitively taken account of aesthetics and the historic importance of the building by ensuring no loading or direct contact of the panels or frame on the roof itself and that the panels will not be visible from ground level." Mr Wake said the design of the installation was also fully reversible should new technologies develop in the future. National Trust head of sustainability Rob Jarman said the charity was determined to severely reduce its overall use of energy and to generate its own energy needs from renewable sources on its estates. "These photovoltaic panels will demonstrate how we can harness renewable energy even from hugely conservation sites without affecting their special character." Mr Jarman said the National Trust had a few areas across Britain where it had conserved designated natural and historic sites hat had been conserved whilst also making them self-sufficient in renewable energy. "We want to spread this across all our properties wherever its appropriate and we hope to be able to help other people and businesses to do the same." The majority of funding for the scheme has come from Barclays who have contributed £30,000 of the £55,000 cost. The shortfall has been met by a £15,000 grant from the Energy Saving Trust's low carbon buildings programme, with a further £10,000 from the National Trust itself. Nita Patel, Barclay's environmental sustainability manager, said the company was happy to be involved in the renewable energy project. "We recognise the need for trailblazers such as the National Trust to show others what can be achieved if resources and commitment are put behind clear environmental objectives." She added: "I look forward to seeing the trust progress further along their path toward lowering their carbon commitment." Pictured with the panels is the castle's property administrator Stephen Hayes. Photo: Steve Guscott
