Guildford Spectrum is Getting Almost 1,200 Solar Panels To Cut Carbon Emissions

Published on: 13 Oct, 2026
Updated on: 13 Oct, 2026

Guildford Spectrum: “We aim to reduce its reliance on the grid,” says Guildford Borough Council

Almost 1,200 solar panels are being installed on the roof of Guildford Spectrum as part of the borough council’s work to make the leisure centre more sustainable.

Work began this week (October 12) and covers around 2,400 square metres, roughly the size of six basketball courts. The panels are expected to generate around 500,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year. This will provide around 12 per cent of the centre’s annual electricity needs.

The project is expected to reduce Guildford Spectrum’s carbon emissions by around 72 tonnes of CO₂e a year.

The council says the installation is part of its “continued investment” in Guildford Spectrum, working with Freedom Leisure, which operates the centre on GBC’s behalf.

Cllr Vanessa King

Cllr Vanessa King, Lead Councillor for Economy and Place, said: “Investing in renewable energy at Guildford Spectrum is an important step towards making one of our borough’s major leisure facilities more sustainable.

“By generating more of the electricity the centre needs on site, we can reduce its reliance on the grid and cut its carbon emissions while continuing to provide the facilities our communities value.

“This is a significant investment in the long-term future of Guildford Spectrum and a great example of how we can work with our partners to make practical improvements that benefit both our communities and the environment.”

Angela Brown, Head of Sustainability and Environment at Freedom Leisure, said: “Guildford Spectrum welcomes thousands of visitors each day to enjoy the wide range of activities it brings together under one roof.

“For a leisure complex of this size, meeting 12 per cent of its annual electricity needs with renewable energy generated on site is a significant step towards reducing its reliance on the grid and its carbon emissions.

“Our established relationship with Guildford Borough Council has been central to bringing this project to fruition. It reflects our shared commitment to more sustainable and resilient leisure provision and environmental responsibility.”

A council statement said: “The solar installation is part of wider ongoing investment in Guildford Spectrum, helping us improve the centre for our communities, reduce its environmental impact and support its sustainable, long-term future. This supports our corporate strategy of creating a more sustainable borough.”