Our client has long been a force to be reckoned with on the pitch, but now they’re making bold strides off it. With a firm commitment to sustainability, this club partnered with Carbon3 to deliver a cutting-edge solar energy system at their new training facility. This ambitious project is not just about reducing bills; it’s a powerful symbol of how professional sport can take the lead on climate action.
The strategy
In 2024, our client launched a long-term sustainability plan that aimed to deliver measurable environmental outcomes while bringing supporters along for the journey.
The installation, completed at the club’s training ground, features 642 rooftop solar panels across two buildings. These panels now generate approximately 280,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, which is enough to power dozens of homes for a year, and saves more than 51 tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year.
Over the expected 20-year lifespan of the system, that equates to 1,033 tonnes of avoided emissions and a projected saving of over £1.5 million on energy costs.
The project
From the outset, this was a high-specification site requiring detailed planning. Carbon3’s role began with the design process to ensure the system would integrate seamlessly with the newly built facility. Working closely with the club, we tailored every element of the install, from fixing systems that wouldn’t compromise the roof warranty, to the placement of inverters and meters for long-term accessibility and ease of maintenance.
Our in-house engineers oversaw the entire process, managing DNO approval, installation sequencing, and commissioning. Every aspect of the system was designed to maximise generation without causing any disruption to the club’s daily operations or player performance schedules.
Beyond the installation
What made this project truly special was the way it was introduced to the community. Our client used the installation as the springboard for an outreach campaign through the club’s community sports trust. Local schools, families and fans were engaged with educational resources that explained the benefits of solar energy, reinforcing the idea that climate action starts at home.
Fans were even asked to nominate their own “Energy Saving Champions” – local people making a difference in their communities. It was a reminder that climate leadership is something everyone can be part of.
Carbon3’s contribution
Our team handled the full lifecycle of the solar installation, from design and technical planning to delivery and handover. This included managing all structural checks, sourcing and installing high-efficiency panels, and ensuring the full system was grid-compliant and ready to deliver value from day one.
By embedding quality assurance throughout the process, including real-time performance monitoring tools, we ensured the system will keep delivering well into the future.
Looking to the future
With the training ground installation now fully operational, the partnership between us and our client opens the door to future energy-saving innovations, potentially across other sporting and public sector spaces.
At Carbon3, we’re proud to have provided a turnkey service to deliver this project that performs technically and positions our client as a competitive force on the pitch, as well as a pioneering champion of sustainability.
Want to explore solar for your organisation?
Carbon3 delivers renewable solutions that reduce emissions, save money, and provide value to your stakeholders. Whether you’re a local authority, a commercial landlord, or a club with a vision, we can help you make your decarbonisation project a reality.
Contact: info@carbon3.co.uk.
