Social anthropological theories and methods have been used to study varying views on the appropriateness of placing solar collectors on istoric buildings. A basic purpose is to contribute to increased knowledge on how the two national interests, preservation of historic buildings and promotion of energy efficiency, could both be met. The research involved a case study with observations and qualitative interviews in Visby, Sweden. Varying ways of balancing change and preservation depend on professional training, on the history and construction of each specific house, and on perceptions of aesthetics and a convenient home. They also depend on a buildings- educational and illustrative power as well as to its function as a dwelling. The discussion links the differing opinions on solar collectors and buildings to vague or overlapping boundaries between private and public space, in terms of geography as well as ownership, responsibility and statutory power.