Bristol's Ashton Gate stadium has reduced its carbon emissions by 20% - thanks to a new solar-powered stand completed by EvoEnergy. The 460-panel, 117 kWp PV system was installed as part of a major refurbishment of the grounds, which is home to Bristol City FC and Bristol Rugby Club.

It is expected to generate 95,090 kWh annually - the equivalent generation to satisfy the average electricity demand of 23 homes. Due to the venue's size and activities, all of the power generated from the solar system will be used on site.

Stadium owner Bristol Sport joined forces with Bristol City Council to deliver the energy efficient measure. The council paid for and will manage the PV installation - predicted to save Ashton Gate 150,000 pounds over 20 years on its energy bill, while allowing the local authority to recuperate the costs of the system and make a small surplus.

James Sutton, commercial project manager at Nottinghamshire-based EvoEnergy, said: "We're pleased to be supporting Bristol City Council's campaign to encourage more businesses to choose solar, with the installation of a 460-panel system on top of the West Stand at Ashton Gate. It's a great example of how partnerships can work, and complements the other energy efficient measures the stadium has implemented in order to reduce its carbon footprint."

The 44m high West Stand comprises Vikram 255w solar panels, and was completed by a four-man team at EvoEnergy in seven days.

Ashton Gate has also installed air to air heat recovery, low energy lighting, automatic controls, low water consumption taps and toilets, heat-pumps and a Building Management System in a bid to reduce its energy usage.

Martin Griffiths, chairman of Bristol Sport, said: "We've worked hard to design, build and operate a socially responsible venue for the city. As well as being home to the two largest sports teams in the area, we also host numerous conferences and events every day. The installation of solar PV helps ensure we're being environmentally friendly while also cutting down on operating costs."

Helen Holland, cabinet member for place with responsibility for energy at Bristol City Council, said: "One of the Mayor's campaign promises was to put Bristol on course to run entirely on clean energy by 2050. Working with businesses like Bristol Sport is essential if we're going to achieve this.

"Ashton Gate is such an important venue for football and rugby fans in Bristol. The stadium working with us during its renovation sends a really strong message that it can make commercial sense for high energy consuming businesses to install renewables onsite."

In June, EvoEnergy helped a leisure centre go green when it installed a 486-panel, 133.65 kWp solar array at Nottingham Wildcats Arena, in Nottingham. The system is expected to generate 109,192 kWh per annum.