Solar panels installed at Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside are delivering strong environmental benefits, with new data showing the system performed particularly well during the key summer months in 2025.
Watford Borough Council worked alongside its operating agent, Everyone Active and Leisure Energy, to successfully complete the installation of 680 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside, in May 2025.
The 282 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system is expected to generate around 255,700 kWh of clean electricity annually, helping to reduce reliance on grid electricity whilst supporting Watford Borough Council’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Performance data from June, July and August 2025, showcases the impact of the project. During these peak summer months, the solar panels generated approximately 113,000 kWh of electricity, meeting almost half of the leisure centre’s total electricity demand during this period by supplying power directly to the site.
On particularly sunny days, the system regularly provided 100 per cent of the centre’s daytime electricity requirements, significantly reducing the need to draw electricity from the national grid while maintaining normal operations and service levels.
The environmental benefits during the summer months were equally significant. Between June and August 2025 alone, the solar installation helped to save around 20 tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting approximately 1,074 trees. Over a full year, the system is expected to deliver carbon savings of around 45 tonnes.
The project was made possible through a £403,900 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, designed to protect and sustain community sports facilities across the country.
The solar installation supports Everyone Active to run a more resilient and environmentally responsible leisure facility, while continuing to provide high-quality, affordable opportunities for residents to stay active.
Additionally, the project complements ongoing energy efficiency initiatives across Watford’s public buildings, demonstrating how targeted infrastructure improvements can deliver meaningful carbon savings and strengthen the future of community assets.
Iain Milton, contract manager for Everyone Active, said: “We’re delighted with the incredibly positive results following the solar panel installation at Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside last year.
“On sunny days, being able to meet all of our daytime electricity needs through on-site generation shows just how effective this project has been. It’s helping to reduce our environmental impact and continue to provide a welcoming, high-quality facility for the local community.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “This is a fantastic example of how investing in renewable energy delivers real benefits for Watford. These solar panels are already making a significant difference: cutting carbon emissions, reducing energy costs, and helping power the centre through cleaner, on-site electricity.
“By working closely with Everyone Active and our partners, we’re making sure our buildings are more sustainability while continuing to provide high-quality facilities for residents.
“Projects like this are vital as we push forward with our ambition to care for our environment and reduce our energy bills.”
Mike Worsnop, Director at Leisure Energy said, “We were delighted to work with Watford Borough Council and Everyone Active as Principal Contractor to support Woodside Leisure Centre’s long-term sustainability goals by installing a clean, renewable energy source for the facility and reducing their reliance on the grid.”
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