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.”

The 574 photo voltaic solar panel installation on the roof at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre in Lincolnshire has reached it’s first anniversary milestone.

With an electricity generation of 237,568 kwh and a carbon saving of 42 tonnes since November 2024, the panels are supporting the facility in reducing it’s carbon emissions and utility costs.

In 2024, South Kesteven District Council SKDC District Council secured a £399,000 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund. The Fund was created to help local authorities address the rising costs of operating public swimming facilities.

Leisure Energy acted as Principal Contractor and Designer for the installation of the panels with Geo Green Power as solar installer. 🌞 🔌 ⚡

Solar panels have been installed on the roof of Parklands Leisure Centre in Oadby, supporting Oadby & Wigston’s climate goals.

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC) secured a £156,704 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund earlier this year to install the panels.

The panels are now generating clean energy and are expected to cover around 20% of the centre’s annual energy consumption, cutting CO2 emissions by 12.65 tonnes each year – the equivalent of planting 581 trees.

The panels follow last year’s successful installation at Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre, funded by a £184,050 grant from the same Sport England programme

With the panels now fully operational, the benefits go beyond environmental impact, delivering substantial energy cost savings for Parklands Leisure Centre and providing resilience against fluctuations in the energy market.

Both Parklands Leisure Centre and Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre are owned by OWBC and managed by Everyone Active, and the panels were installed by contractors Leisure Energy.

Councillor Bill Boulter, Chair of Service Delivery Committee at OWBC, said: “Installing solar panels is a forward-thinking move that reflects our ambition to create a greener, more sustainable borough.

“I’m delighted to see the panels at Parklands Leisure Centre now up and running, joining Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre in harnessing renewable energy.

“These solar panels will help cut energy costs, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support our climate goals, creating a more sustainable future for our residents and setting an example for our communities to follow.”

James Naylor, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “It is great news that these investments are reducing the centre’s carbon footprint..

Everyone Active is proud to work alongside OWBC, as part of our net zero strategy, to help achieve our company’s net zero ambitions.”

Mike Worsnop, Director at Leisure Energy said: “Leisure Energy have been working with OWBC as Principal Contractor for the installation of the solar panels at both leisure facilities.

“We are pleased that we could assist the local authority in lowering their energy costs and carbon emissions via the provision of clean and renewable electricity whilst ensuring community buildings are sustainable for future generations.”

The Swimming Pool Support Fund was introduced by the Government to help leisure facilities cope with rising energy costs and to invest in long-term solutions that reduce future bills.