Ascot Racecourse completes one of UK sport’s largest rooftop solar installations
Ascot Racecourse has completed one of the largest commercial rooftop solar installations in UK sport, delivered in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy.
Installed across the 480‑metre‑long roof of the Grandstand, the new solar array marks a major step forward in Ascot’s efforts to cut emissions and strengthen the long‑term resilience of its operations.
Once energised later this year, the system is expected to help power future editions of Royal Ascot, alongside Ascot’s day‑to‑day activities and more than 300 non‑racing events hosted at the venue each year.
Turning roof space into a long‑term energy asset
The installation comprises more than 1,200 solar panels, with a total capacity of 608.04 kWp. Once live, it’s expected to generate around 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity in its first year.
The system has been designed so that 100% of the electricity generated is used on-site, offsetting around 9% of Ascot’s annual electricity consumption. In year one, this is expected to deliver carbon savings of approximately 118 tonnes of CO₂e, supporting Ascot’s Racing to Zero strategy launched in 2022.
By generating power on-site, Ascot will also reduce its reliance on imported electricity, helping to manage exposure to energy price volatility while building greater operational resilience.
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.
Delivered through partnership and long-term agreements
The project has been delivered through a long‑term power purchase agreement (PPA) between SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy, meaning no upfront capital investment was required from Ascot.
SSE Energy Solutions funds the scheme, while Ortus Energy designed, installed and will operate the rooftop system – providing long‑term price visibility and a practical route to decarbonisation once the array is energised.
Solar power delivers significant emissions reductions and helps organisations manage exposure to volatile energy prices while building greater operational resilience.
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.
Demonstrating what’s possible at scale
Ascot now sits alongside London Stadium and Manchester City’s campus as having one of the most substantial on‑site solar installations in UK sport.
The project shows how unused roof space at sporting venues can be transformed into a strategic energy asset. At Ascot, the system has been fully integrated into the existing Grandstand, demonstrating how on‑site solar can be incorporated into heritage infrastructure without compromising character or operations.”
As organisations face increasing pressure to cut emissions and improve energy security, on‑site renewable generation offers an immediate and scalable way to make progress towards net zero.
Looking ahead
Projects like Ascot show how organisations can turn existing assets into long‑term sources of clean, reliable energy. By combining on‑site generation with long‑term agreements, SSE Energy Solutions is helping customers cut emissions, strengthen resilience and make practical progress towards net zero.