RGU researchers to explore role of PV systems on historic buildings

HI-SCOT is a collaboration between RGU and Edinburgh Napier University, and partnership with Built Environment Forum Scotland, Centre for Engineering, Education and Development, and Dar Al-Arqam, a community centre that owns a historic building from 1859.  This is with the distinct aim of exploring how PV systems can blend with ancient architecture while also addressing wider challenges around aesthetics, regulation and public acceptance.

The research will explore mimicking traditional materials and using coatings to minimise visual impact, creating guidelines for Scotland's historic architecture.

Professor Nadimul Faisal, from RGU’s School of Computing, Engineering and Technology, said: “HI-SCOT will bridge Scotland’s rich heritage with a sustainable future, pioneering innovative PV integration in historic buildings to inspire policy change, public support, and climate action without compromising architectural beauty.”

Dr Nazmi Sellami, Associate Professor, Edinburgh Napier University, said: “HI-SCOT will explore how historic buildings can contribute to Scotland’s net zero ambitions. By investigating the integration of solar technologies into heritage architecture, the project aims to show that environmental responsibility and conservation can work hand in hand.”

Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scotland's universities, this project is one of 11 new research collaborations aimed at accelerating Scotland’s transition to net zero. Each project involves cross-sector collaborations to address sustainability challenges in energy, finance, food, the built environment, natural systems, and transport.

Professor Nick Forsyth, Vice-Principal (Research) at the University of Aberdeen and Chair of Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s seed fund panel added: "This is the second round of our seed fund, we have now supported 19 innovative and collaborative projects with a total of around £300k of funding. Each project involves at least two of our member universities and one external partner, including community groups, government bodies, and the private sector. This collaborative and integrated approach is crucial to us meeting Scotland's ambitious net zero targets. We cannot achieve these targets in isolation, we must work together to innovative, inform and adapt."