What Torquay Athletic Rugby Club Wanted
Torquay Athletic is not just investing in people but also in the planet. Recognising the importance of sustainability, it has taken bold steps to reduce its environmental footprint. One of the most significant of these efforts was to install solar panels following funding from the Valencia Communities Fund - a move designed not just to cut energy costs but to embrace renewable power and secure a greener future.
Our approach
With the club considering several proposals, and with our offer providing more panels and battery storage for the same budget - effectively doubling the club’s energy capacity - our solution stood out as the most cost-effective and future-proofed option.
The installation took careful planning. We worked alongside the club and Torquay Borough Council to meet all building regulations, while CASE Consultants were commissioned by the club to assess whether the old stand could support the weight of the solar panels. This assessment led to additional steel reinforcement being organised to keep the structure safe.
Nine steel beams - weighing nearly two tonnes - were carefully installed, and due to the stand’s age, extra maintenance work was required. For instance, we extended the scaffold access not only to install the panels along the full length of the stand but to also repair the club’s iconic fascias, ultimately saving future access costs that would have been incurred if this work had been done separately.
Installing the panels also had to be phased to avoid disrupting the rugby season. Additionally, since the pitch is shared with the local cricket club during the summer, the project had to be carefully managed around their schedule.
Results
The solar PV system is made up of 52 panels, generating 22.52 kWh of power, equivalent to running the club house for over two full days including lights, heating and small appliances, or powering the club’s LED floodlights for an evening’s training. Three Solax battery storage units, with a combined capacity of 17.4 kWh, store excess energy, and a 10 kW inverter helps manage the power flow. The system can generate up to 5 kW on an average day, covering the club’s basic energy needs, and can export up to 30 kW back to the grid when there’s surplus energy. Any surplus energy is sold back to the grid, generating additional income.
Beyond the financial savings and environmental benefits, the solar installation represents something bigger for Torquay Athletic Rugby Club - a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the future. By reducing its reliance on traditional energy sources, the club has not only lowered costs but also strengthened its role as a forward-thinking community hub. With reinvestment into facilities already underway, the project is enhancing the experience for players, supporters, and local groups who use the space. As the club continues to grow, this investment ensures that future generations can enjoy rugby in a greener, more sustainable environment, proving that progress on the pitch can go hand in hand with progress off it.
The installation of solar panels is a game-changer for our club. Not only are we cutting energy costs and reducing our environmental impact, but we’re also reinvesting the savings into improving our facilities for players, supporters, and the wider community. This project is about future-proofing the club and ensuring that rugby in Torquay continues to thrive in a sustainable way for generations to come.
