Massive Solar Upgrade at Liskeard Leisure Centre Slashes Energy Bills and Boosts Green Power

Over 300 panels installed in move to cut costs and tackle rising energy prices

Liskeard Leisure Centre has made a major step towards sustainability and cutting energy costs with the installation of more than 300 solar panels and a state-of-the-art battery storage system.

The project, delivered by SunGift Solar, includes a 156kWp solar PV system paired with a 128kWh Sigen battery storage system. This upgrade dramatically reduces the running costs of the high energy-demand site, which remains a vital hub for the local community.

Green energy powering the future

The new system is expected to generate over 147,240 kWh of electricity each year — enough to power approximately 35 average UK homes annually. In a further boost to efficiency, around 90% of the energy generated will be used directly on site thanks to the battery storage unit.

The battery plays a key role by storing surplus energy generated during the day for use during peak times, enhancing the centre’s energy independence and reducing reliance on the grid.

Supported by Sport England

The installation was part funded by the Swimming Pool Support Fund from Sport England, which aims to help leisure facilities tackle ongoing and rising energy costs.

Brett Price, General Manager of Liskeard Leisure Centre, said:

“We’re very pleased with the work that’s been done and it’s already making a difference. Sustainability is key to running the centre as cost effectively and efficiently as possible and we’re grateful to Sport England for the funding they provided.

We wanted to keep the centre operational whilst installation was underway and SunGift Solar enabled us to do that, whilst also meeting our deadlines.”

Delivered on time and on budget

Despite tight deadlines, the installation was completed without any disruption to the centre’s daily operations.

Gareth Walton from SunGift Solar said:

“SunGift are delighted to have installed solar panels and batteries at Liskeard Leisure Centre helping the Centre save money on their electricity bills and reduce their carbon emissions. We delivered the project on time and on budget despite a tight external deadline and while allowing the Centre to remain fully operational.”

Operating under the Better brand, Liskeard Leisure Centre is run by GLL, the not-for-profit social enterprise that manages the site on behalf of Cornwall Council.

Part of a wider push for sustainable leisure centres

The Liskeard project follows a similar installation previously completed at Helston Leisure Centre by SunGift Solar. The company has extensive experience working with public sector clients across the UK, including schools, hospitals and government buildings.

With rising energy costs continuing to pose challenges for leisure centres nationwide, solar technology offers a sustainable and cost-effective way to power these vital community services.