RENEWABLE ENERGY


GAME ON! THE ROLE OF SOLAR POWER AT SPORTS VENUES


With their vast roof areas, sports venues have ample space for solar panels. But why are so many sporting venues still


not taking advantage of the opportunity to generate the power they need fromthe roof?


Ciaran Cotter, technical director at Solivus, explains how lightweight panels can provide the answer


Constituting a step change in solar innovation, T


here are hundreds of sports grounds across the UK – from non-league and local clubs to


league stadiums, football to rugby venues, and everything in between. Not only do these venues often have extensive roof areas that are ideal for solar panels, but they consume massive amounts of electricity during game days, training sessions, and non-sporting events. By converting this space into a renewable energy


source, stadiums could potentially save tens of thousands of pounds in energy costs while significantly reducing their environmental impact.


ENERGY SECURITY Continued energy market volatility is not only making it evenmore expensive to operate these types of properties but continues to put the issue of energy security into question. This was seen earlier this year, when Celtic Park was plunged into darkness during a live broadcast due to a power outage; and last summer when Paris was hit by a major power outage during the Olympics. Momentary power disruption can have a


huge revenue impact, as well as implications in terms of safety and equipment damage. Again, solar can help stadium operators to not just meet sustainability targets but to gain energy independence and safeguard from future price hikes. Despite this, however,most sports venues still rely solely on the grid for their power needs. Why?


A GAME CHANGER The big challenge most operators have faced is finding a solar solution suitable for their premises. Most stadium roofs were not designed to support the additional weight of traditional solar panels without the need for costly structural reinforcements. In addition, many sports venues also feature unusual architectural designs and structures which, while built to be


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Lightweight solar panels at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club (NCCC)


the solution comprises a 2 x 1mfibre-glass board, at a thickness of just 2mm, embedded with photovoltaic cells of less than 1mmdepth. Despite a seriously thin form the result is a powerful performance rated at over 19% efficient – which is similar to that of heavier panels. Commissioned inMarch 2023,


the final system comprised a total of 221 lightweight solar panels. A year later, and the latest operational data showed that not only has the system decarbonised the stadium by producing cleaner, greener energy, but also enhanced the financial returns for the club. As of August 2024, operational data revealed the installation has seen total estimated savings for NCCC of over £20,000, with


visually iconic, can often further complicate the scope for traditional solar. For years, this has meant that, along with


45% of all commercial buildings in the UK, conventional rooftop solar simply hasn’t been a viable option for stadiums. Fortunately, there is now a solution: a new


generation of innovative lightweight solar that is a fraction of the weight of conventional panels and has universal applications for fixing methods. The result is a vast roof space opportunity for the sector. A great example of this opportunity can be found


in Solivus’ recent work with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club (NCCC). As part of its commitment to sustainability, the club sought to take advantage of the self-generation opportunity afforded by solar. However, the stadium’s extensive roof wasn’t able to take the weight of traditional glass solar panels. Cue the game changer. Unlike traditional


solar installs, Solivus’ systems use flexible lightweight panels which are up to 70% lighter than traditional panels.


ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Autumn 2025 an annual ROI of 10.8%. To date, the installation


has saved over 15,900kg of CO2e. Underscoring this is a dedicated operations


and maintenance (O&M) programme designed to ensure the project continues to reach its full value potential. This is supported with a five-year workmanship warranty, a twelve-year product warranty, and a twenty-five-year performance warranty.


STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME The solar category is always evolving and there are developments on the horizon which will further open the door for even greater decarbonisation, energy security and energy-cost reductions opportunities for the UK’s stadium sector. By leveraging the lightweight solar opportunity, operators can ensure that in our emerging low-carbon economy where more venues are stepping up to the challenge of sustainability, they remain ahead of the game.


Solivus www.solivus.com


www.essmag.co.uk


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