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Off-grid solar for a historic site

Location

Midlothian

Sector

Off-grid

Project
highlights

Size

1.8 kWp

Performance

1,630 kWh

CO2 savings

315 kg

The brief

Crichton Castle, just outside Edinburgh, needed reliable power for its small onsite office and daily site management.

With no straightforward mains connection, dependable off-grid power was essential. The existing solar and battery system was ageing, so the new system had to improve reliability, reduce reliance on petrol generation and respect the character of the historic setting.

Our approach

Working alongside Historic Environment Scotland, aes renewables designed and installed an off-grid solar and battery storage system tailored to the castle’s needs.

The system includes:
  • 1.8 kWp solar PV system
  • 4 battery storage units
  • 3 kWh storage capacity per battery

Wherever possible, the existing framework was used to minimise changes to the site.

The solar PV system generates electricity for the onsite office, while the batteries store power for use when solar generation is lower. Every part of the project was shaped around 2 priorities: reliable performance and respect for the castle’s setting.

The outcome

Crichton Castle now has a more reliable off-grid energy system that supports daily site management.

By generating and storing renewable electricity onsite, the castle has reduced its reliance on a petrol generator while maintaining dependable power for the onsite office.
The completed system helps the site:
  • Generate renewable electricity onsite
  • Store power for use when solar generation is lower
  • Reduce reliance on petrol generation
  • Support daily operations beyond the grid
  • Protect the character of a historic location

For Historic Environment Scotland, the result is a practical energy upgrade that supports the ongoing management of an important heritage site.

Why it works

Remote and historic sites need energy systems that work reliably and sit carefully within their setting.

At Crichton Castle, off-grid solar and battery storage provide dependable power without a conventional mains connection. Reusing the existing framework also helped reduce changes to the site.

The project shows how renewable energy can support historic buildings without taking away from what makes them special.

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Designed with care.
Installed with pride.
Supported for the long term.
Feeling good energy.

We believe renewable energy should feel right. From the first conversation to long after your system is installed.