WATCH ON DEMAND | SOLAR PV AND BATTERY STORAGE WEBINAR
How Leading Organisations Are Reducing Exposure to Rising Energy Costs and Strengthening Operational Resilience with Solar and Battery Storage
Following a period of significant energy market volatility in the UK, organisations are increasingly looking to take greater control of their energy future, reduce exposure to rising costs and invest in long-term sustainability solutions that deliver measurable financial and environmental benefits.
When annual energy costs across Freedom Leisure’s estate increased from £8 million to £22 million, the organisation intensified its existing focus on energy efficiency, resilience and decarbonisation. As part of its wider decarbonisation programme, the organisation has continued to roll out solar PV and battery storage across its estate, delivering systems at a further 10 leisure centres in England and Wales. Together, these ten sites alone are projected to save more than £12.7 million over the next 25 years, while helping local authority partners accelerate progress towards Net Zero. The success of the programme has been recognised nationally, with SolarSense and Freedom Leisure named finalists for Renewable Energy Project of the Year at the edie Energy & Tech Awards.
WPA has adopted a similar strategic approach, investing in a solar PV and battery storage system at its headquarters to demonstrate environmental leadership. Expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 31 tonnes, the clean energy system enables WPA to maximise the use of solar energy and maintain business continuity during power outages through battery storage.
Hosted by former BBC producer David Harries, the expert panel features Angela Brown (Head of Sustainability and Environmental at Freedom Leisure), Clare Sampson (Head of Operations at WPA) and Ollie Fowler (Director of Project Delivery at SolarSense).
Key insights from the webinar:
- How to maximise financial returns from solar PV and battery storage through effective system design, energy management and long-term planning.
- How to prioritise renewable energy investments, secure funding and build a compelling business case.
- How on-site solar PV and battery storage can strengthen operational resilience, improve energy security and support business continuity.
- Practical lessons from Freedom Leisure and WPA on delivering successful renewable energy projects while minimising operational disruption.
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Meet the Panel
Hear from experienced leaders in business operations, sustainability and renewable energy as they share practical insights into reducing energy costs, strengthening operational resilience and accelerating progress towards Net Zero. Drawing on real-world projects, the panel explores the opportunities and challenges of investing in commercial solar PV and battery storage.
Angela Brown – Head of Sustainability & Environmental – Freedom Leisure
Angela Brown is Head of Sustainability & Environmental at Freedom Leisure, one of the UK’s leading charitable leisure trusts, managing more than 130 sports and leisure facilities across England and Wales.
Angela leads Freedom Leisure’s environmental and decarbonisation strategy, working with local authority partners to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy resilience and accelerate progress towards Net Zero. As part of this ongoing programme, she has overseen the rollout of solar PV and battery storage across multiple leisure centres, including a recent ten-site programme projected to save more than £12.7 million over the next 25 years.
Clare Sampson – Head of Operations – WPA
Clare Sampson is Head of Operations at WPA, one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit health insurers. Responsible for operational performance, service delivery and business continuity, Clare plays a key role in ensuring the organisation remains resilient while supporting its long-term sustainability ambitions.
As part of WPA’s commitment to responsible business and to offset the environmental impact of rapid growth, Clare has led the delivery of a major renewable energy project at the organisation’s headquarters, including a solar PV and battery storage system. The installation is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 31 tonnes while replacing WPA’s ageing uninterruptible power supply (UPS), strengthening business continuity during power outages and demonstrating how clean energy can deliver both operational resilience and environmental performance.
Ollie Fowler – Director of Project Delivery – SolarSense
Ollie Fowler is Director of Project Delivery at SolarSense, overseeing the successful delivery of commercial solar PV, battery storage and solar carport projects for public and private sector organisations across the UK.
Drawing on extensive experience delivering clean energy projects across complex, live operational environments, Ollie understands the practical realities of turning ambitious energy strategies into successful projects. His expertise spans project planning, stakeholder coordination, construction, commissioning and system optimisation, helping organisations overcome the technical and operational challenges of implementation while ensuring projects deliver long-term performance and value.
Stephen Barrett – Chairman and Founder – SolarSense
Stephen Barrett founded SolarSense in 1995 and is widely recognised as one of the UK’s renewable energy pioneers. With more than three decades of experience, he has played a significant role in shaping the commercial renewable energy sector and advancing the adoption of clean energy across the UK.
Throughout his career, Stephen has championed renewable energy solutions that deliver environmental, commercial and social value for organisations nationwide, helping establish SolarSense as one of the UK’s leading commercial renewable energy specialists. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Solar & Storage Live Awards.
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