Conflicting Issues in Preservation: Solar Panels and Later Addition of Insulation Systems

The first conflicting issue within historic preservation and/or restoration projects is the use of solar panels with historic structures is an issue that most preservationists tend to agree diminish the integrity of a historic building. As many building owners look for ways and means to reduce their ‘footprint’, solar panels are one of the most popular sources that ensure improvement of the building’s environmental profile. Considering most historic buildings lack environmentally appropriate resources, as they were built prior to energy efficiency assessments and LEED ratings, and most rehabilitation projects can cost a small fortune, it makes sense that a client would request the implementation of solar panels as a means of cutting their overall costs and ecological footprint.

Great attention, care and thought needs to be taken when discussing the implementation of solar panels with a historic building, as many times these paneling systems can detract from the appearance and historic integrity of the building. Local historic guidelines should be consulted as well; as many times there are strict limitations enforced regarding what can and cannot be added to a historic building. These findings, along with the evaluated pros and cons, should be discussed in detail with the client.

If the local historic board is restrictive against the addition of solar panels to a historic building, then either more research will need to be completed to discover alternative paneling options that may be more readily accepted or alternative placement ideas will need to be considered.[1] Luckily, there have been great advancements to the original prototype of panels first available on the market. Most models today are more historically accepted and less of an eyesore, including solar shingles that resemble slate shingles and are just as affective as panels but are more accepted by historic boards as well they are eligible for tax credits.[2]

The second conflicting issue within historic preservation and/or restoration projects is that historic buildings were originally built without the addition of insulation systems, as building technologies at the time were not as advanced as they have become today. A majority of building owners want to counteract this problem, as it is not energy efficient and tend to unnecessarily raise electric bills. Again, this is a conflicting issue for many preservationists as later addition of insulating materials to historic buildings risk damage of architectural details or historic finishes. Another problem is limited space, as historic buildings may not allow for the necessary space in building cavities to allow for appropriate R-value (insulation).

Polyurethane foam is used in certain cases, where historic buildings are not in jeopardy of losing their character or integrity through structural alterations of any kind.[3] Through careful analysis of the building and dialogue with professional insulators, it is possible that this type of foam could easily remedy insulation problems without building or structural modifications; the only drawback is that it is not removable. Another method, if the building’s original interiors have already been altered or removed, is to apply an insulating lining to the surface. This is surely not a possibility if the original interiors are intact and untouched. Research in Scotland has been carried out involving a system comprised of a thin gel mat, secured against the plaster wall with a steel mesh fastening system.[4] The positive thing in this case is that it is removable and non-damaging to the original wall. I would discuss possibilities with both the professionals and the clients to determine the best and most appropriate procedures to insulate the historic building.

It is important that above all, the historic integrity and character of historic structures are not altered in any way through the realization of either of these issues. It is best to keep an open dialogue with a client, while referring to professionals for assistance and direction in these more complicated and detailed matters.

[1] Benfield, Kaid. “Can Solar Panels and Historic Preservation Get Along?.” The Atlantic Cities. http://www.theatlanticcities.com/design/2012/06/can-­‐solar-­‐panels-­‐and-­‐historic-­‐preservation-­‐get-­‐along/2364/ (accessed April 20, 2014).

[2] “Residential Installations.” Performance Solar. http://perfsolar.com/services/residential/ (accessed April 20, 2014).

[3] “Historic Preservation Problems.” FOAM-­‐TECH: Problems=Solutions. http://www.foam-­‐tech.com/problems/preservation.htm (accessed April 20, 2014).

[4] Curtis, Roger. “Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings: Initiatives by Historic Scotland.” APT Bulletin 43, no. 2/3 (2012): 16.