Solar power

We've always harnessed the power of the sun's rays, and solar energy continues to play an important role at the places we care for.

Whether we're using state-of-the-art solar technology to bring an ancient ship burial site out of the Dark Ages or heating an 18th-century castle, the sun is helping us to be more sustainable.

Listen to our podcast about solar power and find out how you can tap into this amazing energy source at home.

We aim to produce 50 per cent of the energy we use from renewable sources by 2021, and solar power is helping us to achieve this. We'll be installing even more solar projects at the places we care for during the next five years, which means we'll be able to put even more money towards vital conservation work to protect the countryside you love.

We care for 58 places that use solar power, and together they generate 356,384 kilowatt hours (kWhs) of energy.
Under our Renewable Energy Investment programme we have more than 100 green energy projects up and running and have an additional 43 projects in the pipeline, which will create an extra 11,500,000 kWhs of energy.

Listen to our podcast on solar power

The podcast was made possible thanks to the support of BMW i, the brand behind the all-electric BMW i3. As our partner, BMW i is not only allowing us to expand our network of electric vehicle charging points it is also helping us achieve our renewable energy ambitions by investing in groundbreaking projects at National Trust places.

A colourful border of late summer flowers in bloom at Bodnant Garden

The electric garden

Almost all energy production methods can be traced back to the sun's rays. This episode explores how solar panels are helping Bodnant Garden near Colwyn Bay in Wales create a sustainable future. Discover how we'll be using solar energy to power the cafe and visitor centre without impinging on the beauty of the site, which is set against the mountains of Snowdonia.

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Episode 2: Electric garden

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Solar power at the places in our care

Solar panel on the roof of the Sutton Hoo visitor centre

Bringing Sutton Hoo out of the Dark Ages

This seventh-century burial site has been brought into the 21st century with the installation of state-of-the-art solar energy. The newly built visitor centre buildings have been kitted out with 172 high-efficiency solar panels. These generate 42,000 kilowatts of electricity each year, which is enough to power ten UK homes.

Looking up at the Grand staircase inside Penrhyn Castle

Keeping warm at Penrhyn Castle

In the 18th century Penrhyn Castle was known for its eccentric design features, including a fish tank that ran through the dining tables in its conservatory. Today you can explore the castle's elaborate interiors, knowing that each of its 100 rooms is heated by green energy. In fact nearly 70% of the site’s energy needs are met by solar panels and a biomass boiler.

Couple relaxing in the Redwoods Restaurant

A solar-powered cuppa at Anglesey Abbey

The solar panels at Anglesey Abbey generate enough electricity to make two million cups of tea a year. The project, which is part of the National Trust’s Renewable Energy Investment Programme, saves the site around £425 a month in electricity bills. This extra money goes towards vital conservation work to conserve the estate and collection.

Doing your bit

Solar power is becoming more accessible, and there are plenty of ways you can harness the power of the sun's rays. From solar panels to solar chargers, we've come up with some suggestions on how you can use solar at home.

Mobile phone showing the National Trust podcast

Solar panels, used to power lighting, on the roof of Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre, Norfolk

Sun through the trees at Toys Hill, a National Trust property in Kent

Solar chargers

Use a handheld solar charger for your mobile devices. You could even opt for a solar window charger, which captures the sunlight directly from your window sill.

Solar panels in your home

Solar is a big investment, but its increased popularity is making it more accessible. The costs are recoverable because of the energy saved and the government offers financial incentives to households with solar panels.

Hang your washing on the line

Get a washing line and dry your clothes under the sun’s rays. If its looking drizzly outside why not get a laundry hanger or clothes rail.

Keeping the heat in

You can install heat saving windows, which capture and store the sun’s rays to heat your home. If glazed windows aren’t an option, why not use a special window film to keep the heat in during the winter?

Insulate your home

Insulating your home is another good way of reducing your annual energy costs and carbon emissions.

Our work with BMW i

BMW i is committed to creating a more sustainable future and makes use of many of the renewable energy technologies that we do. While solar is used to power many of the historic buildings in our care, it can also play an important role in providing green energy for everyday use.

As more people start to use solar power at home, BMW i continues to develop its smart charging service, which enables the use of home solar installations to charge the i3, optimising charging times to make it as efficient as possible.

Our partnership with BMW i also means we can invest even more in renewable energy projects, and make travel to the places we care for more sustainable by expanding our network of electric vehicle charging points.