SSE Energy Solutions powers Ascot’s shift to electrification with one of UK sport’s largest rooftop solar projects
6/10/2026 2:00:00 PM
System expected to generate approx. 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually, reducing reliance on fossil fuel power
Installation to supply around 9% of Ascot’s annual electricity needs
Helps improve energy resilience and cost predictability through on-site generation
Ascot Racecourse has taken a major step in electrifying its operations with the completion of a large rooftop solar installation, delivered in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy. The system, installed across the 480-metre Grandstand roof, includes more than 1,200 solar panels and has a total capacity of 608.04 kWp.
Once fully energised, the project is expected to generate approximately 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year. The electricity will be used on site to help power race days, including Royal Ascot, as well as more than 180 non-racing events hosted at the venue annually. By generating electricity at source, Ascot can reduce its reliance on grid electricity generated from fossil fuels and strengthen the resilience of its operations.
The installation will meet around 9% of Ascot’s total annual electricity demand. It is also expected to deliver carbon savings of approximately 118 tonnes of CO₂e in its first year.
Tamsin Lishman, Customer Asset Director, SSE Energy Solutions, said:
“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.”
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.”
Alistair Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Ortus Energy, said:
“Commercial rooftop solar is a major opportunity for the UK to cut emissions, particularly as the Government targets a significant expansion of solar capacity to 45–47GW by 2030.
“In sport, organisations are also under growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact, with UK Sport identifying sustainability as a core pillar of its social impact strategy.
“Ascot Racecourse shows what’s possible when ambition, expertise and delivery align – acting ahead of mandate and setting the benchmark. Through a power purchase agreement, the system provides a robust, long-term solution with clear visibility on energy, usage and carbon savings once live - ensuring measurable, lasting impact.”
The system is fully integrated into Ascot’s existing Grandstand infrastructure, illustrating how SSE Energy Solutions works with customers to unlock the value of existing assets and accelerate electrification without disrupting operations.
Delivered via a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), the project requires no upfront capital investment from Ascot. SSE Energy Solutions funds the installation, while Ortus Energy designs, installs and operates the system — enabling Ascot to access renewable electricity with long-term price visibility and reduced exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets.