More than 1,200 solar panels have been installed across Ascot Racecourse’s Grandstand roof, creating one of the largest on-site solar arrays in UK sport and supporting the venue’s long-term sustainability ambitions.

Ascot Racecourse has completed the installation of a major rooftop solar array ahead of this year’s Royal Ascot, marking a significant milestone in the venue’s sustainability strategy.

Delivered in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy, the Ascot Racecourse project sees more than 1,200 solar panels installed along the 480-metre length of the Grandstand roof. Once fully connected and energised later this summer, the system is expected to generate approximately 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity during its first year of operation.

The installation has been designed so that all electricity generated will be used on-site, helping to offset around nine per cent of Ascot’s annual electricity consumption while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 118 tonnes of CO₂e during the first year.

The installation has been designed so that all electricity generated will be used on-site, helping to offset around nine per cent of Ascot’s annual electricity consumption while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 118 tonnes of CO₂e during the first year.

Ascot racecourse

The new system has a total capacity of 608.04 kWp and will support operations across racedays, including Royal Ascot, as well as the venue’s year-round programme of more than 180 non-racing events.

According to Ascot Racecourse, the renewable energy generated annually would be enough to power a medium-sized electric vehicle for more than one million laps of the racecourse.

The project places Ascot among a small number of major UK sporting venues investing heavily in on-site renewable energy generation, alongside facilities such as the London Stadium and Manchester City’s sporting campus.

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.”

Tamsin Lishman, Customer Asset Director at SSE Energy Solutions, highlighted the wider benefits of commercial-scale solar installations.

“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.”

The installation comes as sporting organisations face increasing pressure to improve environmental performance and reduce their carbon footprint. UK Sport has identified sustainability as a key pillar of its social impact strategy, while the UK Government has set ambitious targets for expanding national solar capacity by 2030.

Alistair Booth, Chief Executive Officer of Ortus Energy, said Ascot’s investment demonstrates how major sporting venues can take meaningful action ahead of future environmental requirements.

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

The solar array is expected to become fully operational later this summer, providing a long-term source of renewable energy for one of British racing’s most iconic venues.