Racecourse harnesses solar horsepower

A Berkshire sporting venue has completed one of the largest solar installations in UK sport as part of its drive to reduce emissions and improve long-term energy resilience.

Ascot Racecourse has installed more than 1200 solar panels across the 480-metre roof of its Grandstand, creating a rooftop array expected to generate around 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity in its first year.

To put that into perspective, a horse running at 40mph would need to run non-stop for 14.5 years to produce the same amount of energy, while a field of eight horses competing over the Gold Cup’s two-and-a-half-mile course would need to run for a combined 1.82 years.

Delivered in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy, the project is designed to offset around nine per cent of Ascot’s annual electricity consumption and deliver carbon savings of approximately 118 tonnes of CO₂e in year one.

The system will support operations across the venue, including Royal Ascot, other race meetings and more than 180 non-racing events hosted each year.

With a capacity of 608.04 kWp, the installation ranks among the most substantial on-site solar schemes in UK sport, placing Ascot alongside venues such as the London Stadium and Manchester City’s campus.

All electricity generated by the system will be used on site, helping reduce reliance on imported energy while providing greater certainty over future energy costs.

The project also demonstrates how large-scale renewable infrastructure can be integrated into established sporting venues without affecting their character or day-to-day operations. 

Opened in 2006, Ascot’s Grandstand now doubles as a significant source of renewable power.

Felicity Barnard, chief executive of Ascot Racecourse, said: “This installation is a significant milestone for Ascot. 

“It allows us to take a major step forward in our plans to cut emissions and strengthen the resilience of our operations. 

“By turning our Grandstand roof into a long-term energy asset, and bringing the system online later this year, we will be supporting both our environmental commitments and the future sustainability of the racecourse.”

The installation reflects a broader push across the sports sector to improve environmental performance, as organisations face increasing pressure to cut emissions and contribute to national sustainability goals.

The scheme has been funded through a long-term power purchase agreement between SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy, meaning no upfront capital investment was required from Ascot. 

Ortus Energy designed and installed the system, while SSE Energy Solutions provided the funding and long-term energy framework.

Alistair Booth, chief executive of Ortus Energy, added: “Commercial rooftop solar is a major opportunity for the UK to cut emissions, particularly as the Government targets a significant expansion of solar capacity to 45–47GW by 2030.

“In sport, organisations are also under growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact, with UK Sport identifying sustainability as a core pillar of its social impact strategy.

“Ascot Racecourse shows what’s possible when ambition, expertise and delivery align – acting ahead of mandate and setting the benchmark. 

“Through a power purchase agreement, the system provides a robust, long-term solution with clear visibility on energy, usage and carbon savings once live - ensuring measurable, lasting impact.”

Tamsin Lishman, customer asset director at SSE Energy Solutions, added: “Rooftop solar is one of the most effective ways for organisations to cut emissions while improving cost stability and energy security. 

“Projects like Ascot demonstrate how commercial solar can be delivered at scale, even in complex and high-profile environments, helping customers build resilience and make tangible progress on their net zero ambitions once systems are energised.”

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