CPRE Somerset: Love Your Countryside Awards - Rooftop Solar category

About the Rooftop Solar award

We believe it’s time to get solar off the ground and champion a rooftop revolution. We’re celebrating great examples of rooftop solar that saves energy and is sensitively designed and with the local community in mind.

Generating renewable energy doesn’t have to be at the expense of our countryside. CPRE’s research shows that our rooftops can provide over half of our solar energy targets. Installing solar panels on new builds, existing buildings and car parks is the best way forward to help the climate crisis and protect our green fields. That’s why we want to celebrate great examples of rooftop solar here in Somerset, large or small.  Nominate your project in this category and help us to shout it from the rooftops!

We’re looking for projects that demonstrate:

• Energy efficiency – to achieve maximum benefit.
• Community involvement – perhaps your village hall or school has solar panels on the roof? Projects where local people have a say and can reap the rewards
• Innovation and novel technology – to overcome challenges
• Value for money – so that others can be inspired and consider installing rooftop solar too
• Sensitive design – examples of good installations on a listed building or in a conservation area? Solar schemes in rural locations that blend in and subtly enhance the landscape.

We welcome projects of all sizes from across the Somerset countryside that demonstrate some or all of these qualities.

Who can apply?

• Please read the category descriptions, criteria and eligibility information carefully. If you are not sure which category to enter please contact admin@cpresomerset.org.uk and we can help.
• An individual, organisation or group can enter themselves or be nominated by someone else. However, all individuals or organisations need to give permission to be nominated.
• Projects must be within the unitary authority area of Somerset (this does NOT include B&NES or North Somerset)
• The nomination must be relevant to work taken place in the last two years.
• Past projects are entitled to re-enter but entries must contain new elements on which they will be judged.
• You may enter into more than one category.

Why apply?

• Celebrate Your Impact on people, place, and planet
• Gain Recognition from peers, professionals, and the wider community
• Inspire Others with your approach to rooftop solar
• Boost Your Profile and attract future opportunities
• Champion Rural Innovation and sustainable development

Winners will receive a plaque and will be invited to our CPRE Somerset: Love Your Countryside Awards event in summer 2026.  They will also gain automatic entry into the CPRE National Centenary Awards, giving your project the recognition it deserves on a larger stage.

On the award application form you will be asked to provide:

• Details about the project and your connection to it
• Contact details
• Information about your digital presence (if applicable) including social media profiles and website address
• Project information, including a 400 word brief description
• Supporting evidence, which may include additional documents, short films or videos
• Up to five supporting photos which will be used to promote the awards as well as your entered project or person
• Details about volunteer contributions including volunteer hours and numbers, if applicable.

Ready to enter?

Online entry form for the Rooftop Solar Award

• Complete the online entry form (opens in a new tab) and submit with supplementary information.
• Alternatively, download the CPRE Somerset Love Your Countryside Awards 2026 Entry Form  Details of where to email or post the award nomination are available on the form.
• The deadline for entries is 5pm on Thursday 30th April 2026.