Commercial rooftop solar in action at Ascot Racecourse
One month after energisation, Ascot Racecourse’s new rooftop solar installation had already generated approximately 63,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity. With more than 1,200 solar panels installed across the Grandstand roof, the system is expected to meet around 9% of Ascot’s annual electricity needs. This demonstrates the potential for organisations with large roof areas and significant electricity demand to generate more of their electricity onsite through commercial solar.
The rooftop solar system was funded through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), showing how businesses and public-sector organisations can benefit from installing solar without having to fund the upfront cost of the solar investment themselves.
Why Ascot Racecourse was well suited to commercial solar
Ascot Racecourse’s Grandstand stretches for almost 480 metres, providing significant roof space that could be turned into a long-term energy-generating asset.
The venue has substantial electricity demand, supporting Royal Ascot and other race days, day-to-day operations and more than 180 non-racing events each year. The combination of available roof space and electricity demand created the ideal business case for onsite solar.
Many large commercial and public sector sites share this opportunity. Warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturing facilities, hospitals and colleges with extensive roof space and high electricity demand are particularly well suited to rooftop solar energy systems.
As Felicity Barnard, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse, explained, the project is about “turning our Grandstand roof into a long-term energy asset”. This supports both environmental commitments and the future sustainability of the racecourse, while providing greater certainty and control over electricity bills.
Delivering commercial rooftop solar at scale
The 1,200+ solar panels installed across the Grandstand roof provide the completed solar PV system with a total solar generation capacity of 608.04 kWp.
SSE Energy Solutions funded the installation, while Ortus Energy designed, installed and now operates the system.
For Tamsin Lishman, Customer Asset Director at SSE Energy Solutions, the project has relevance well beyond Ascot: “Projects like this 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.”
Ascot's solar panels generated 63,000 kWh in the first month
The solar array was energised in summer 2026. One month later, system performance is on track, having generated approximately 63,000 kWh of solar energy with 100% of the electricity used directly onsite.
In its first year, the system is expected to generate approximately 569,000 kWh of renewable energy, meeting around 9% of Ascot Racecourse’s annual electricity demand.
For organisations seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, harnessing existing roof space for solar energy can form part of a wider decarbonisation strategy
Using renewable electricity generated onsite will reduce Ascot’s need for grid electricity, helping to reduce its Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
The installation is expected to save approximately 118 tonnes of carbon emissions in year one.
Funding commercial solar through a PPA
SSE Energy Solutions funded the installation through a long-term solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Power purchase agreements like this enable businesses to avoid the upfront costs and operational risk associated with commercial rooftop solar. In addition, they provide greater long-term certainty over energy costs for the length of the agreement, typically 15 to 25 years.
Stuart Rider, Estates Manager at Ascot Racecourse, said the model “just made sense from an economical point of view”.
What could your roof generate?
Ascot Racecourse may be a unique venue, but the opportunity demonstrated by this project is much broader.
For many commercial and public-sector organisations, large roof areas can provide valuable space for onsite solar generation. The right solution will depend on the building, electricity profile and business objectives.
SSE Energy Solutions can assess the opportunity and develop a commercial solar solution around your site and energy needs. Options include direct ownership and fully-funded PPAs.
Explore commercial solar panels for your business →