Acting Dean Maggie Smith York Minster solar panel comments

Around 9,700 solar panels, enough to power 16,300 homes, were installed across Yorkshire and the Humber in the first half of 2026 compared to 9,300 the year before.

The Reverend Canon Maggie Smith, Acting Dean of York, said 184 panels installed there last year showed tackling climate change and protecting heritage could go hand-in-hand.

York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith said Yorkshire was leading the way towards a future built on clean, home-grown energy.

Climate Transition Minister Katie White said the solar revolution happening this year was helping to bring bills down and tackle the climate crisis.

It comes as the Government minister visited York Minster last week to see its  array of 184 solar panels which covers about a third of its roof.

RECOMMENDED READING:

The breaking of Yorkshire and Humber’s solar installation record comes as the region’s hottest June day was recorded when temperatures reached 34.4 degrees centigrade on Friday, June 26.

Yorkshire, along with the rest of the country, has seen droughts, heatwaves and wildfires caused by hot weather this summer.

It also comes after the Minster said fire safety was a priority for its array after a blaze believed to have been caused by panels gutted Malton hospital.

Revd Canon Smith said last year’s installation of panels showed how heritage, sustainability and community ambition could work together.

She said: “As one of the nation’s most significant historic landmarks, the Minster is very clearly demonstrating that tackling climate change and protecting shared heritage can be pursued side by side.

“Through this work, York Minster is continuing its leadership role in the city, helping to deliver a cleaner, greener and more resilient future rooted in partnership and committed to achieving net zero by 2035.”

Solar panels were installed on the roof of York Minster in 2025 (Image: York Minster (Chapter of York))

Labour Mayor Mr Skaith said thousands of families across Yorkshire were now benefitting from solar power.

The mayor said: “Solar power is helping to bring down their bills, build our county’s energy security, and put power back into the hands of local people.

“Through my Mayoral Renewables Fund, we’re backing our community buildings so they can tap into solar power and focus their resources on what they do best, bringing people together.”

Minister Ms White said solar power was the right choice for Britain.

The minster said: “”Solar power is increasingly becoming the right choice – from making bills more affordable to strengthening our energy security.”