There would appear to be an increasing interest from sports facilities wishing to look at having solar panels installed. It was only a few days ago that we wrote about Henwick Worthy Sports Field in Berkshire installing them.
Northampton Saints vs Saracens
(image credit: bobaliciouslondon)
Well, the latest sports club that we have heard about going down the solar panel route is Northampton Saints Rugby Club based at Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton. They are currently in fourth place in the Aviva Premiership.
They are having 200 solar panels installed at the stadium that is a venue that will undoubtedly use a considerable amount of electricity during the season. The panels are being located on the Burrda Sport Stand that faces south. An advantage this has is that the solar panels will be situated at a high level that is not subject to a huge amount of shade thus aiding their efficiency.
Another benefit is the impact that they will have on the environment from a positive perspective as they will reduce the rugby club’s carbon footprint. This is another environmental benefit at the club as they already use water from a nearby lake on the grass.
The solar panels are being fitted by SolarTech who are based in Buckingham. They will provide power for the rugby club’s offices, the training ground and the stadium itself with any surplus electricity going to the National Grid.
This installation has received the support of Friends of the Earth from both a financial perspective and an environmental one. They felt that it would be good to see an increasing number of sports clubs doing the same. In fact, solar panels have been installed at Saracens Allianz Park ground who currently sit on top of the Aviva Premiership as well as at Barnsley Football Club in Yorkshire.
It would be interesting to hear of any similar developments taking place.
