Harvey Hadden Sports Village in Nottingham has completed the third phase of a long-term solar power rollout, bringing its total installed capacity to 571.5 kWp. The latest upgrade includes a 307.58 kWp rooftop photovoltaic system comprising 676 bifacial solar panels covering more than 1,300 square metres.
The project, supported by over £449,000 in funding from Salix Finance, is part of Nottingham City Council’s wider carbon reduction strategy. With all three solar phases combined, the site now generates over 500,000 kWh of electricity annually.
Launched in 2015, the initiative began with the UK’s largest solar carport, followed by a 200 kWp rooftop system in 2018. The new installation is projected to deliver around 257,752 kWh annually, cutting carbon emissions by approximately 60 tonnes annually. Over 30 years, the centre expects to save £3.66 million in electricity costs and reduce gas expenses by more than £315,000.
The project was led by Nottingham City Council’s Environment and Sustainability team, with technical oversight from senior project officers and support from the council’s carbon reduction services team. The system meets rigorous industry standards, including ENA G99 and MCS certification.
This development positions Harvey Hadden as one of the largest solar-powered leisure centres in the UK. It highlights the role of clean energy in driving down costs across public infrastructure.
