Sporting venues are more than just places to play – they’re community hubs, cultural landmarks, and increasingly, leaders in sustainability. With rising energy costs and growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, many sports clubs and venues across the UK are turning to renewable energy to future-proof their operations. One of the most effective and accessible solutions? Solar power.
At Novus Energy, we’ve had the privilege of helping a range of sporting venues harness the power of the sun to reduce their costs, improve their environmental impact, and lead the way in clean energy adoption. Let’s explore how commercial solar is making a difference – and take a closer look at some of our recent installations.
⚡ Why Solar Makes Sense for Sports Clubs
From golf courses and cricket grounds to major stadiums and racecourses, sporting venues consume significant amounts of electricity – especially during peak seasons or events. By investing in solar panels, clubs can:
✅ Cut electricity bills significantly
✅ Generate clean, renewable power onsite
✅ Improve energy independence and reduce reliance on the grid
✅ Lower carbon emissions and boost sustainability credentials
✅ Enhance community image and corporate responsibility
✅ Benefit from long-term savings and strong ROI
🏏 Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club
A fantastic example of grassroots sport going green, Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club installed a 6.4 kW solar PV system with battery storage.
System Overview:
- 16 solar panels + battery
- Estimated annual generation: 5,423 kWh
- Lifetime electricity bill savings: £32,961
- CO₂ reduction: 1 tonne annually
- Environmental impact over system lifetime:
- 260 trees planted equivalent
- 29 long-haul flights avoided
- 40,479 km of car travel offset
This installation not only supports the club’s energy needs but helps reduce costs that can now be reinvested into the sport and facilities.
⛳ Harewood Downs Golf Club, Buckinghamshire
A premium course taking proactive steps to reduce energy costs and carbon output, Harewood Downs Golf Club opted for a larger solar system.
System Overview:
- 45 x 405W panels
- System size: 18.225 kW
- Estimated annual generation: 17,220 kWh
- Lifetime savings: £119,165
- CO₂ saved annually: 4 tonnes
- Environmental impact over system lifetime:
- 826 trees planted
- 92 long-haul flights avoided
- 128,531 car km avoided
The club now benefits from lower electricity bills while strengthening its commitment to a greener game.
🏇 York Racecourse
A landmark sporting venue known across the UK, York Racecourse invested in a high-capacity solar PV system to support its energy needs year-round.
System Overview:
- 168 PV modules, 1 inverter, 84 optimisers
- System size: 68.04 kWp (DC), 63.29 kW (AC)
- Estimated annual generation: 40.88 MWh
- CO₂ saved annually: 7.91 tonnes
- Payback period: 7 years
- Lifetime savings: £184,970
- Equivalent environmental impact (annually):
- 363 trees planted
As one of the country’s leading racecourses, this installation highlights how even large-scale venues can benefit enormously from solar.
🔍 Want to See What Solar Could Do for Your Venue?
Interested in making the switch to solar? We’ve created a free ROI Calculator to give you a rough estimate of costs, savings, and suggested system size based on your energy usage. Whether you’re a golf club, cricket team, or racing venue, our tailored solutions can help you take control of your energy future.
🏟️ Power Your Venue with Novus Energy
If you run a sports club or manage a venue and want to reduce operational costs, improve sustainability, and gain energy independence, solar is the smart move. At Novus Energy, we’re proud to work with sporting organisations of all sizes – from local clubs to national landmarks – offering end-to-end support and expert installation.
Let’s power your future together.
📩 Get in touch to start your solar journey today. Simply fill out the form below to get started!