Guildford Spectrum set for major rooftop solar panel transformation
Guildford Spectrum is taking another step towards a more sustainable future, with work beginning next week on a major new rooftop solar panel installation.
Installation of the new solar panels will begin early in October, with almost 1,200 panels being installed on the roof of Guildford Spectrum.
Covering around 2,400 square metres - the size of six basketball courts - the new solar panels will generate around 500,000 kWh of electricity each year. This will provide around 12% of the electricity required to power Guildford Spectrum annually, helping to reduce the centre’s reliance on electricity from the grid.
The project represents an investment of over £400,000 in renewable energy and will reduce the centre’s carbon emissions by around 72 tonnes of CO₂e every year. The annual emissions saving is equivalent to the emissions from 10 petrol cars driving around the circumference of the Earth.
The solar installation is part of the continued investment in Guildford Spectrum, which is operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Guildford Borough Council, to improve the centre and make its operations more sustainable for the future.
Angela Brown, Head of Sustainability and Environment commented: “Guildford Spectrum welcomes thousands of visitors each day to enjoy the wide range of activities it brings together under one roof. For a leisure complex of this size, meeting 12% of its annual electricity needs with renewable energy generated on site is a significant step toward reducing its reliance on the grid and its carbon emissions. The Established relationship between Freedom Leisure and Guildford Borough Council has been central to bringing this project to fruition and reflects our shared commitment to more a sustainable and resilient leisure, environmental responsibility and the wellbeing of our communities.”
Cllr Vanessa King, Lead Councillor for Economy and Place said: “Guildford Spectrum is an important and much-loved facility for our communities, so I’m delighted to see us investing in its long-term future. Making use of its extensive roof to generate clean, renewable electricity is a practical way to reduce both its reliance on the National Grid and its carbon emissions.
“This project shows how we can continue improving our leisure facilities while taking meaningful action to make our borough more sustainable.”
The new solar panels will make use of Guildford Spectrum’s extensive rooftop space to generate renewable energy, helping the centre reduce its environmental impact while continuing to provide its wide range of leisure facilities for the local community.
Guildford Spectrum is one of the UK’s largest multi-activity leisure centres, welcoming visitors throughout the year to its swimming pools, gym, ice rink, bowling centre, soft play and many other activities.
The solar project adds to the ongoing investment being made at Guildford Spectrum as Freedom Leisure and Guildford Borough Council continue to improve the centre for the community and support its long-term future.
