Putting wildlife first during Cumbria solar installation

We believe that renewable energy and protecting the natural environment should go hand in hand. Recently, while preparing to install a solar PV system at a property in Cumbria, our installers encountered something unexpected – a bat at the property.

Rather than continuing with the installation, our team recognised that further advice was needed and took the appropriate steps to ensure the situation was handled responsibly. We contacted the Bat Conservation Trust for guidance, who arranged for a Natural England volunteer to attend the property and assess the situation.

Using specialist equipment, the volunteer confirmed the presence of a single pipistrelle bat at the property. The assessment identified that the bat was accessing a small gap beneath the eaves at the top of the wall, and the advice provided was that the location was likely being used as a temporary roost.

With the expert guidance provided, we were able to understand the best way forward and ensure that the solar installation could proceed responsibly, while taking the presence of the bat into consideration.

Renewable energy with responsibility

Solar PV plays an important role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future. By helping homeowners generate their own renewable electricity, solar panels can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support the transition towards a lower-carbon energy system.

Many solar installations take place on homes surrounded by nature, particularly in rural areas such as Cumbria and the Lake District, where wildlife and communities exist side by side.

As a renewable energy installer, we understand that our responsibility goes beyond simply installing technology. Every property is different, and sometimes doing things properly means taking extra time, seeking specialist advice, and making sure the right decisions are made.

For our team, pausing the installation and getting expert guidance was simply the right thing to do.

Sustainability is about more than energy

When we talk about sustainability, it’s easy to focus on the technology that helps create a greener future: solar panels, home batteries, and energy-efficient electric heating systems.

Sustainability is also about respecting the environment around us and protecting the wildlife that shares our planet.

This experience was a valuable reminder that the transition to renewable energy must be approached thoughtfully. Creating a cleaner future is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it is about making responsible choices that consider the world around us.

We would like to thank the Bat Conservation Trust and the Natural England volunteer who attended the property for their advice and support.