‍ ‍The Henry Moore Institute is a world-renowned centre for the study and celebration of sculpture, located in the heart of Leeds city centre next to Leeds Art Gallery. Part of the Henry Moore Foundation, the Institute houses free galleries, a sculpture research library, and the Archive of Sculptors' Papers - welcoming visitors, researchers, school groups, and community organisations from across the UK and beyond. The building itself is a conversion of three former Victorian wool merchants' houses, designed by architects Jeremy Dixon and Edward Jones, and is Grade II listed.

In March 2024, ACT installed 59 solar panels as part of a major refurbishment of the Institute that included a complete new roof covering. The installation was reported by the BBC, reflecting the significance of bringing renewable energy to one of Leeds' most important cultural buildings.

Working on a Grade II listed building required careful planning and coordination with Leeds City Council to ensure the installation respected the building's historical character. The slate roof presented its own technical challenge, which ACT addressed using Esdec mounting in conjunction with Genius Roof Solutions SolarFlash - a specialist flashing system designed specifically for slate roofs that provides a secure, weathertight fixing without compromising the integrity of the roof covering.

The 25.37 kWp system features SolarEdge inverters and optimisers, and is expected to generate approximately 22.75 MWh of clean energy each year, covering around 20% of the Institute's electricity requirements. For a cultural institution that operates year-round with gallery lighting, climate control for sensitive artworks, and public-facing facilities, every kilowatt hour of self-generated energy makes a meaningful difference to running costs.

The project demonstrates that even the most architecturally sensitive buildings can accommodate solar PV when the right expertise and equipment are brought together - something that sits at the heart of what ACT does.

Henry Moore Institute - Solar PV Installation

25.37 kWp