Cotswold Energy Group (CEG) has completed the installation of a solar array at Cheltenham football stadium with an annual power generation capacity of 77MWh.
The £90,000 renewable energy project saw 213 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels placed on the south and east-facing stands of the stadium and is expected to yield annual energy savings of £21,000, and a full return of investment in no more than four years.
These returns rise to £650,000 over a 20-year period.
The football club did not provide the capacity of the solar PV installation. However, the solar array will provide more than 25% of the stadium’s power and, alongside other energy saving measures such as the installation of LED floodlights, 30% of the stadium will be powered by renewable energy.
The project was made possible by low-interest load granted by Cheltenham Borough Council to Cheltenham Town Football Club (CTFC), as well as contributions received from shareholders.
Jon Bonnar, managing director of CEG, said: “Cheltenham’s football stadium is well positioned for direct sunlight, presenting an ideal location for harnessing solar power. Installing this solar array is a simple yet efficient step in helping the football club to contribute to the UK’s net zero targets.”