AN historic town centre church is taking action to reduce its carbon footprint, and is aiming to become net zero by 2030.

As part of its extensive programme of renovation and renewal, St Mary’s Church in the heart of Totnes is exploring the idea of installing solar panels on its roof.

The church is holding talks with the Totnes Renewal Energy Society (TRESOC), which has proposed installing community-owned solar PV on top of the 15th Century building as part of its Energy Local Totnes project.

Under the scheme, the church will buy electricity for its own use at a discounted rate.

Any excess electricity will be sold into the Energy Local Totnes club to provide low cost electricity for local people.

If the scheme receives the green light the solar panels will be installed on the south facing aspect of the roof behind the parapet wall.

This means they will not be visible from ground level and will not detract from the character or appearance of the historic church.

Totnes Heritage Trust chairman John Birch said: “The discussions at an early stage and there are challenges along the way, such as a structural survey to ensure the roof structure is sufficient.

“Then it will be necessary to obtain planning approval and listed building consent from South Hams Council, which will involve input from Historic England.

“It will also be necessary to obtain permission from the Exeter Diocese, which will involve input from heritage bodies.

“Once all the permissions are in place the scheme can get underway.

“TRESOC will own, operate and maintain the solar panels and will raise the capital to install the panels through a community share-offer, which means all profits from the scheme will return to the local economy.”

TRESOC was formed in 2007 by a group of Totnes residents concerned about the threat of depleting global oil and gas supplies and the impact of climate change.

It has nearly 15 years of experience delivering renewable energy projects across a range of technologies.

Rev Jim Barlow said he was “delighted” at potentially partnering up with TRESOC, adding: “Doing whatever we can to end fossil fuel dependency is vital.”

Dr Sally Murrall-Smith of TRESOC said, “We are excited to be working with St Mary’s on this courageous project and are grateful for their support of Energy Local Totnes.”