Cheltenham Town FC

The first League One stadium powered by renewable energy

Services installed:

Commercial Solar PanelsDesign and Feasibility

At a glance

2024

Completion

£525,000

Lifetime savings

20 tonnes

Carbon saved

*Projected over a 20-year lifespan based on installation costs and energy prices at the time of installation.

The property

Cheltenham Town Football Club’s Completely-Suzuki Stadium is a community-focused venue in Gloucestershire, hosting football matches and events for fans and the local community. However, the stadium faced growing challenges with rising energy costs and the environmental impact of traditional energy sources, as it required significant electricity for lighting and operations.

The club recognised the urgent need to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and embrace a more sustainable future. To achieve this, Cheltenham Town FC sought an innovative solution to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining its operations.

Our approach

To address these challenges, Cotswold Energy Group (CEG) partnered with Cheltenham Town FC to design and install a bespoke solar panel system. The project involved:

Installing 213 high-performance photovoltaic solar panels across the Colin Farmer and Hazlewoods Stands, making it the largest solar rooftop installation in Cheltenham.

Positioning panels to face southerly and easterly directions to maximise solar absorption and energy generation.

Collaborating with the club and Cheltenham Borough Council to ensure funding and compliance with sustainability goals, including securing a £40,000 council loan.

The installation process required over a year of planning and eight weeks of on-site work to ensure minimal disruption to the club’s activities.

The results

Following the installation of a bespoke solar panel system, Cheltenham Town FC proudly became the first League One club to power its stadium with renewable energy.

This transformative solar project has revolutionised the club’s energy profile:

Generates up to 77 MWh annually, covering over 25% of the stadium’s energy needs, rising to 30% when combined with LED floodlights and other energy-saving measures.

Reduces carbon emissions by 20 tonnes over its 25-year lifespan, equivalent to planting 3,864 trees or covering three football pitches in woodland.

Saves the club approximately £21,000 annually in electricity costs, providing substantial financial relief and long-term benefits.

This £90,000 investment reflects the club’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sets a benchmark for sustainability in professional sports. With annual savings of £21,000, the payback period is just over 4 years, demonstrating the long-term financial and environmental benefits of the solar installation.

This is an important first step in creating a more sustainable, lower-emissions football club. For us, it is about investing wisely in a greener future that will benefit the environment, the club, and the local community. We hope it will inspire other clubs and initiatives in Cheltenham and the wider Gloucestershire area.