The Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth is a flagship facility providing a wide range of sports, swimming, and fitness services to the community. With long operational hours and a high electrical demand, energy efficiency and sustainability are top priorities for both the operator, BH Live, and the owner, Portsmouth City Council.
In a joint initiative supported by Sport England, the council commissioned Solar Voltaics Ltd to deliver a large-scale rooftop solar installation as part of a wider decarbonisation strategy for the site.
Our Solution
Solar Voltaics Ltd installed over 570 solar PV panels amounting to 280kWp across the available roof space at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre. This system was designed to:
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Offset 25% of the site’s total annual electricity consumption
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Ensure 90% of the generated energy is consumed on-site to maximise savings
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Integrate with other energy efficiency upgrades for maximum impact
This solar installation was part of a broader programme of improvements, including:
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Heat-retaining pool covers to reduce water heating costs
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Ventilation system upgrades for better energy efficiency
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Efficient UV filtration to reduce operational overheads
Results & Impact
The combined measures will cut over 300 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually while delivering substantial reductions in energy costs for the centre.
Key outcomes:
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Carbon reduction: Significant step towards Portsmouth City Council’s net-zero targets
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Operational savings: Lowered utility costs through on-site energy generation and reduced heat loss
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Enhanced sustainability: Multi-measure approach demonstrates leadership in community climate action
Project Significance
This project shows the powerful results that can be achieved when renewable energy generation is combined with energy efficiency measures. By integrating solar PV with targeted building upgrades, the Mountbatten Leisure Centre is set to operate more sustainably while providing long-term cost stability for the council and operator.
