The club are delighted to finally share the news of the completion of a large-scale renewable energy project at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.
Cotswold Energy Group (CEG), a division of South Coast Insulation Services (SCIS Group), have installed 213 high-performance solar panels across both the Colin Farmer Stand sponsored by JM Weston Construction and the Hazlewoods Stand.
The club have massively upped their efforts and goals in establishing a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, with this project right at the forefront of that.
The solar installation has the ability to generate up to 77 MWh of energy per year. That equates to an estimated reduction of 20 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the project’s 25-year lifetime. In football terms, that’s the equivalent of planting 3,864 trees, which is enough to cover three whole football pitches.
The installation is one of the biggest of its kind in the entire EFL, making the Completely-Suzuki Stadium the only ground in League One that is powered by solar energy. In addition, it is the biggest solar rooftop project in Cheltenham.
The solar project will account for over 25% of the stadium’s power, and with the impacts of further energy-saving initiatives, that figure could rise to an impressive 30%.
After over a year of planning and an eight week build and installation process, everything is in place to increase the overall sustainability of the club.
Speaking upon the completion of the project, the club’s Commercial Director, Paul Bence said:
“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.”
“It’s a £90,000 investment by the club. Not only do we maximise our benefits on the pitch but it’s off the pitch with investments like these, which are really important to the infrastructure of our football club.”
Project Director Chris Wintle added:
"We are looking at one of the most impressive solar installations in the EFL. It is the first big step on the road to a more sustainable football club.
"It's a valuable long term investment and important hedge against spiralling energy costs. It has been a complex and challenging project but a great success."
Bence concluded by saying:
“We owe a lot of thanks to the people who have made this project possible. We hope it will be an inspiration for other clubs, and for more initiatives in Cheltenham and the wider Gloucestershire area.”
Keep an eye on our social channels and website over the coming weeks to find out a little bit more about the project and what it brings to our football club.