Ascot solar project powers ahead as electrification delivers early benefits

• 63,000 kWh generated in first month as Ascot solar project delivers immediate results

Just one month after being energised, Ascot Racecourse's landmark rooftop solar installation has already generated around 63,000 kWh of renewable electricity, preventing around eight tonnes of CO₂e emissions.

The early performance demonstrates how electrification can help organisations cut emissions, improve resilience and take greater control of energy costs.

Delivered through a funded Power Purchase Agreement between SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy, the project is one of the largest rooftop solar installations in UK sport. Installed across Ascot's 480-metre Grandstand roof, the system comprises more than 1,200 solar panels with a total capacity of 608.04 kWp.

The installation is expected to generate around 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year, supplying approximately 9% of Ascot's annual electricity demand.

The electricity generated on site supports Ascot’s year-round operations, including race days, conferences and events, improving energy resilience while providing greater certainty over future energy costs. As designed, 100% of the electricity generated is used directly on site.

Tamsin Lishman, Customer Asset Director, SSE Energy Solutions, said:

"The energisation of Ascot's solar array is an important milestone and a great example of how electrifying growth can deliver real benefits for organisations today.

"Projects like this show how businesses can turn existing assets into sources of clean, homegrown power, helping to improve resilience, reduce emissions and provide greater certainty over energy costs.

"Whether it's a sporting venue, manufacturing site or commercial estate, solutions such as rooftop solar can help organisations take practical steps towards a more affordable, secure and sustainable energy future."

Felicity Barnard, CEO of Ascot Racecourse said:

"Projects like Ascot demonstrates how, even with complicated design requirements, we can meet the ambition. We're hugely proud to be having a solar installation of this size in a venue such of ours. It's integrated seamlessly onto the top of the grandstand and the scale of this is one of the biggest in in in UK sporting venues, let alone in racing. So that's amazing. I also think it helps really demonstrate our commitment to sustainable practices across our business and helps us on that journey as we move forward.’

Stuart Rider, Estates Manager of Ascot Racecourse, said:

 “The PPA model essentially means that Ortus fund the capital investment which means that Ascot don't have to provide any capital up front, it just made sense from an economical point of view.”

Alistair Booth, CEO of Ortus Energy, said:

“One month in, this system is performing exactly as designed, and that's the real test of a project like this. Getting a roof this size energised is one thing, proving the model works in practice, is the part that matters to the next customer considering this route. We designed, installed and now operate the system at Ascot, and seeing it generate at scale on a site with this much operational complexity gives every commercial property owner watching a clear, evidenced answer on what a funded PPA can deliver.”

Delivered through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the project required no upfront capital investment from Ascot. SSE Energy Solutions funded the installation, while Ortus Energy designed, installed and operates the system, enabling Ascot to benefit from renewable electricity with long-term price visibility.