Ascot Racecourse has advanced the electrification of its operations following the completion of a major rooftop solar installation, completed in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy. The array, positioned across the 480-metre Grandstand roof, features more than 1,200 solar panels and possesses a total capacity of 608.04 kWp.

When fully energised, the infrastructure is projected to generate roughly 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually. This power will be utilised directly on-site to support race days, including Royal Ascot, alongside more than 180 non-racing events held at the venue each year. By generating its own power at source, Ascot aims to decrease its dependence on fossil-fuel-generated grid electricity and enhance operational resilience.

The solar installation is set to supply approximately 9% of Ascot's overall annual electricity demand. It is also projected to provide carbon savings of around 118 tonnes of CO₂e during its initial year of operation.

Tamsin Lishman, Customer Asset Director at SSE Energy Solutions, said: "Rooftop solar is one of the most effective ways for organisations to cut emissions while improving cost stability and energy security. Projects like Ascot demonstrate how commercial solar can be delivered at scale, even in complex and high-profile environments, helping customers build resilience and make tangible progress on their net zero ambitions once systems are energised."

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Felicity Barnard, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse, stated: "This installation is a significant milestone for Ascot. It allows us to take a major step forward in our plans to cut emissions and strengthen the resilience of our operations. By turning our Grandstand roof into a long-term energy asset, and bringing the system online later this year, we will be supporting both our environmental commitments and the future sustainability of the racecourse."

Alistair Booth, Chief Executive Officer at Ortus Energy, commented: "Commercial rooftop solar is a major opportunity for the UK to cut emissions, particularly as the Government targets a significant expansion of solar capacity to 45–47GW by 2030.

"In sport, organisations are also under growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact, with UK Sport identifying sustainability as a core pillar of its social impact strategy.

"Ascot Racecourse shows what's possible when ambition, expertise and delivery align – acting ahead of mandate and setting the benchmark. Through a power purchase agreement, the system provides a robust, long-term solution with clear visibility on energy, usage and carbon savings once live - ensuring measurable, lasting impact."

The technology has been fully integrated into the existing Grandstand infrastructure, showcasing how SSE Energy Solutions collaborates with clients to capitalise on existing assets and expedite electrification without interrupting daily operations.

Funded through a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), the initiative required no upfront capital expenditure from Ascot Racecourse. SSE Energy Solutions is financing the installation, while Ortus Energy is responsible for the design, installation, and ongoing operation of the system, providing Ascot with renewable energy, long-term price visibility, and decreased exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets.