Solar PV at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most recognisable historic landmarks. 

For Historic Environment Scotland, introducing renewable energy within the castle grounds meant balancing two important priorities: reducing energy use and protecting the character of a site that is known around the world. 

Any system installed here needed to generate renewable electricity while fitting carefully within a highly sensitive historic setting. 

Visual impact was a key consideration from the outset. The aim was to develop a system that worked with the building, respected the wider castle environment and supported Historic Environment Scotland’s longer-term sustainability ambitions. 

A 31.5 kWp solar PV system was selected for the roof of the Scottish National War Memorial. 

The design made use of the building’s existing features. The panels were installed behind a high parapet, keeping them out of sight from the castle grounds and from key viewpoints across the city. 

All-black SunPower panels were chosen for their discreet appearance, helping the array sit comfortably within its surroundings. SolarEdge technology was also incorporated to support system performance and help maximise the electricity generated on site. 

Throughout the project, the focus remained the same: introducing renewable energy in a way that respected the significance of the building while delivering practical benefits for the site. 

The completed installation demonstrates how solar PV can be introduced at heritage sites when the design is shaped around the needs of the building and its surroundings.

The array is expected to generate around 26,500 kWh of electricity each year, helping reduce reliance on grid power. It is also expected to save around 6,680 kg of CO₂ emissions annually.

For Historic Environment Scotland, the project supports wider work to reduce energy use across its estate, while showing that renewable energy can be introduced sensitively at places of national importance.

Edinburgh Castle is a strong example of renewable energy being carefully matched to its setting.

By positioning the array behind the existing parapet, selecting discreet all-black panels and carefully considering how the system would sit within the roofscape, the installation generates renewable electricity without changing the experience of the site for visitors.

The project demonstrates what can be achieved when renewable energy is designed around the character of a building and offers an example for other heritage properties, public buildings and architecturally sensitive sites where appearance and performance need to work together.

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