0333 772 1800
0333 772 1800
CLIENT
MAIN CONTRACTOR
M&E CONTRACTOR
TECHNOLOGY
SYSTEM SIZE
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OUTPUT
ANNUAL CO2 SAVINGS
PV MODULES
CLIENT
Bristol Bears is one of the UK’s leading professional rugby clubs, competing in the Gallagher Premiership and recognised for its long-term investment in elite sporting performance, player development and sustainability.
As part of the club’s wider ambition to create a world class high-performance environment, the Premiership rugby club developed a state-of-the-art training facility at Kingcott Farm, located between Failand and Abbots Leigh on the outskirts of Bristol.
Designed to support every aspect of elite athlete preparation and recovery, the purpose-built complex includes a two-storey steel-framed training pavilion featuring high-performance gym and strength & conditioning facilities, medical and rehabilitation suites, changing rooms and office accommodation for coaching and operational staff.
The development also incorporates two hybrid grass pitches, including a floodlit professional-standard training pitch, alongside a 4,000m² indoor training barn designed to enable year-round training regardless of weather conditions.
Sustainability and operational efficiency formed a key part of the facility’s design and construction strategy, reflecting the organisation’s wider environmental commitments and participation in the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and Race to Zero initiative.
To support these objectives, the training pavilion was fitted with a dedicated rooftop solar PV system designed to reduce reliance on grid electricity, lower operational carbon emissions and improve the long-term energy performance of the site.
Solar PV System
SolarSense worked in partnership with main contractor Beard Construction and M&E contractor David Fear Electrical Contractors to deliver a fully integrated turnkey solar PV solution for the Bristol Bears High-Performance Centre.
The project formed part of the wider construction and sustainability strategy for the development, with the system designed to reduce operational carbon emissions, improve on-site energy generation and lower long-term reliance on grid-supplied electricity.
Following a detailed assessment of the building’s available roof space, operational energy profile and long-term performance requirements, SolarSense specified a 53.64kWp rooftop solar PV system using high-efficiency SunPower PV modules. Renowned for their industry-leading efficiency, low degradation rates and extended manufacturer warranties, the solar panels were selected to maximise energy yield and financial return per square metre of available roof space, particularly important within the constraints of a relatively compact flat roof installation.
The solar PV system was installed on the flat roof of the training pavilion using a specialist mounting system engineered to optimise panel orientation, ballast loading and long-term structural performance while minimising roof penetration.
A specialist SolarSense installation team completed the commercial solar PV system in less than one week, working within a live construction environment alongside multiple contractors during the final stages of the wider development. Careful logistical planning and coordination were vital throughout the project due to ongoing infrastructure works, restricted site access and unfinished surrounding roads and external areas.
SERVICES PROVIDED
Renewable Energy Consultancy – Full site assessment, technical design development and performance modelling to evaluate available roof space, operational energy demand and optimal system configuration for the Bristol Bears High Performance Training Centre.
Design, Supply and Installation – Installation of a 53.64kWp flat roof solar PV system using high-efficiency solar PV modules, fully optimised to maximise energy generation and long-term performance within the constraints of the available roof area.
Project Coordination, Testing and Commissioning – Coordination with Beard Construction, David Fear Electrical and other contractors throughout the construction programme, including system testing and commissioning in accordance with G99 requirements.
Full Handover – G99 grid connection approval, MCS certification and registration, complete system commissioning and operational handover documentation.
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