Major Roof-Mounted Solar Project Complete at Historic Glasgow Landmark

OVER 1,000 solar panels have been installed on the distinctive barrel-shaped roof of Glasgow’s historic Kelvin Hall as part of a flagship solar project for Glasgow City Council.

Carried out by Vital Energi, with Glasgow-based contractor Versatile, the landmark project is worth approximately £1.5 million and is part of Glasgow City Council’s climate action strategy. It is designed to ‘significantly’ reduce carbon emissions, supply approximately 20% of the building’s annual electricity needs, and generate £182,000 in electricity savings each year.

The installation is accompanied by seven smaller solar installations across Glasgow schools and daycare centres, collectively supporting the city’s journey toward net zero emissions.

Scott Lutton, Regional Director at Vital Energi, said: “Working on Kelvin Hall’s protected Category B listed structure presented unique engineering challenges. Our team developed custom mounting solutions for the distinctive barrel-shaped roof while preserving the building’s historic character. This required specialised safety systems for installers working at height and strategic relocation of inverters to optimise system performance.

“We considered more than just the technical aspects of the project—we actively engaged with the community to ensure the voices of those affected by potential disruptions were heard and respected.”

Major Roof-Mounted Solar Project

Beyond its environmental impact, the project has delivered community benefits, including educational initiatives and employment opportunities. It also included classroom presentations on climate action for local schools through our Climate Education Programme, and is providing raised plant beds, soil and plants for community gardens at the daycare centres involved in the wider scheme.

The Kelvin Hall project adds to the 46 renewable energy installation projects that Vital Energi has delivered to date across Scotland, which include recent solar projects for NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Tayside.

The solar project was 50% funded by Salix Finance, with Glasgow City Council providing the remaining investment.

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