Solar panels installed at Watford Leisure Centre in Woodside are delivering significant environmental and energy benefits, with new performance data showing particularly strong results during the peak summer months of 2025.
Watford Borough Council, working in partnership with its leisure operator Everyone Active and specialist provider Leisure Energy, completed the installation of 680 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at the centre in May 2025.
The 282 kWp solar PV system is expected to generate approximately 255,700 kWh of clean electricity each year. This will substantially reduce the centre’s reliance on grid electricity while supporting Watford Borough Council’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Performance data from June, July and August 2025 highlights the impact of the project during peak demand periods. Across these three months, the solar panels generated around 113,000 kWh of electricity, meeting nearly half of the leisure centre’s total electricity demand by supplying power directly to the site.
On particularly sunny days, the system consistently delivered 100 per cent of the centre’s daytime electricity requirements. This significantly reduced the need to draw power from the national grid, while allowing the facility to maintain normal operations and service levels.
The environmental benefits achieved over the summer were equally impressive. Between June and August 2025, the solar installation helped save an estimated 20 tonnes of carbon emissions, the equivalent of planting approximately 1,074 trees. Over a full year, the system is projected to reduce carbon emissions by around 45 tonnes.
The project was made possible through a £403,900 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, which aims to protect and future-proof community sports facilities across the country.
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 sustainable, 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.”
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.’
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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