Landmark project demonstrates how iconic venues can turn roof space into strategic energy assets
Ascot has completed one of the largest rooftop solar installations in UK sport, marking a significant milestone in its ambition to become one of the most sustainable sporting venues in the world.
Delivered by Ortus Energy in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions, the project transforms the 480-metre-long Grandstand roof into a major renewable energy asset. Once fully energised, the installation is expected to generate approximately 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually, offset around 9% of Ascot’s annual electricity consumption and deliver first-year carbon savings of approximately 118 tonnes of CO₂e
The project demonstrates how large commercial properties can unlock the value of underutilised roof space to reduce emissions, strengthen energy resilience and gain greater visibility over long-term energy costs.
A flagship project for British sport
The 608.04 kWp solar array comprises more than 1,200 solar panels installed across Ascot’s iconic Grandstand. Designed so that 100% of the electricity generated is used on site, the system will support race days, including Royal Ascot, alongside the venue’s extensive year-round operations and more than 180 non-racing events hosted annually.
The installation places Ascot alongside some of the UK’s most prominent sporting venues in deploying large-scale on-site renewable energy infrastructure and demonstrates how heritage venues can embrace modern energy solutions without compromising their character or operational requirements.
Felicity Barnard, Chief Executive of Ascot, 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.”
Commercial Solar at Scale
For organisations with large property portfolios, rising energy costs and growing sustainability obligations continue to place pressure on operational and investment strategies.
Projects such as Ascot illustrate the growing role that commercial rooftop solar can play in helping organisations manage these challenges. By generating electricity directly where it is consumed, businesses can reduce dependence on imported power while improving long-term energy certainty.
Tamsin Lishman, Customer Asset Director at SSE Energy Solutions, said:
“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.”
Turning ambition into measurable action
The project arrives at a time when both government and industry are accelerating efforts to expand renewable energy generation across the UK. The Government has set a target of increasing solar deployment to between 45GW and 47GW by 2030, while organisations across multiple sectors are seeking practical pathways to reduce emissions and improve energy resilience.
For sporting organisations, sustainability is also becoming an increasingly important strategic priority. UK Sport has identified environmental sustainability as a key pillar of its wider social impact agenda, reflecting growing expectations from stakeholders, sponsors and audiences alike.
Alistair Booth, CEO of Ortus Energy, said the project highlights what can be achieved when organisations take a long-term view on energy strategy and operational sustainability.
“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 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.”
Delivered through a fully funded Power Purchase Agreement
A key feature of the project is its funding model.
The installation has been delivered through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy, requiring no upfront capital investment from Ascot Racecourse.
Under the agreement, SSE Energy Solutions funds the project while Ortus Energy designs, installs and operates the solar system. This approach enables organisations to access on-site renewable energy, predictable energy pricing and measurable carbon reductions without diverting capital away from core business priorities.
As more commercial and industrial organisations develop decarbonisation strategies, funded PPAs are increasingly being recognised as a practical route to achieving sustainability goals while maintaining financial flexibility.
A blueprint for large commercial estates
The Ascot project highlights a wider opportunity for organisations with substantial roof space and significant energy demand.
Whether in manufacturing, logistics, food production, agriculture, retail distribution or major event venues, commercial rooftops represent one of the UK’s largest untapped renewable energy resources.
By converting underused roof space into long-term energy assets, businesses can accelerate progress towards net zero, improve energy resilience and create measurable commercial value.
Ascot’s latest investment demonstrates what can be achieved when sustainability ambition is matched by delivery expertise, creating a blueprint for other organisations seeking to futureproof their operations through on-site renewable energy.
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