Solar panels at East Hampshire Sports Centre save carbon equivalent of 1,600 trees in one year
More than 800 solar panels installed on the roof of Alton Sports Centre have been operational for a year, producing 226,458kWh of power.
More than 800 solar panels installed on the roof of Alton Sports Centre have been operational for a year, producing 226,458kWh of power.
These solar panels have saved approximately 40 tonnes of carbon, which is equivalent to the carbon absorption of 1,600 trees, since their installation began in late January 2025.
The panels supply power to the centre during daylight hours, with any additional energy being fed back into the grid.
The project was supported by a £60 million grant from the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund, which East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) received after collaborating with Everyone Active on the successful application in March 2024.
The installation was planned and executed in partnership with ZLC Energy and Portsmouth City Council's Energy Services Team.
Cllr Robert Mocatta, East Hampshire District Council portfolio holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, said:
“Our leisure centres are currently one of the main sources of council carbon emissions - as identified in our carbon audit.
This scheme is reducing the impact of Alton Sports Centre on that total and I’m pleased that we were able to support Everyone Active in securing funding, avoiding the need to pass the cost on to residents.
These panels are a significant step forward on our journey to being carbon net zero by 2035.”
Chris West, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have worked in partnership with East Hampshire District Council on this sustainable initiative.
The solar panels at Alton Sports Centre are a significant achievement in our shared commitment to reducing environmental impact.
By generating clean, renewable energy on-site, we’re not only helping the planet but also delivering lasting benefits for the community and supporting the council’s wider carbon reduction goals.”