Wootton Group Helps Dragons RFC Take Greater Control of Energy Costs at Rodney Parade
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
Wootton Group has completed a major Solar PV and battery storage project at Rodney Parade, home of Dragons RFC, helping one of Welsh sport’s best-known venues reduce its reliance on grid electricity and take greater control of its future energy costs.
The project forms part of Dragons RFC’s ongoing commitment to improving the environmental performance of Rodney Parade while managing the significant amount of electricity required to operate a busy professional sports venue throughout the year.
A major investment in renewable energy
Rodney Parade requires electricity every day, not only on matchdays.
Energy supports lighting, heating, offices, hospitality facilities, events and the general operation of the stadium.
Wootton Group worked with Dragons RFC to develop a renewable energy system suited to these demands.
More than 250 solar panels have now been installed across the stadium, supported by a battery storage system.
During daylight hours, the Solar PV system generates electricity for use across Rodney Parade. Surplus energy is stored within the battery system and used later when demand increases.
This approach reduces the amount of electricity the stadium needs to purchase from the grid and gives Dragons RFC greater control over how energy generated on site is used.
Early results show the impact
Early performance figures following commissioning have already demonstrated the potential of the new system.
During an initial operating period, Rodney Parade used approximately 1.2MWh of electricity. Around 900kWh of this demand was supplied through the Solar PV and battery storage system.
For a commercial property with significant energy requirements, generating and storing electricity on site provides an opportunity to reduce exposure to grid electricity costs while making better use of available roof space.
Wootton Group estimates the Rodney Parade investment has an expected payback period of approximately seven to eight years, alongside ongoing reductions in energy costs and carbon emissions.
A partnership focused on the future
Rhys Blumberg, Chief Executive of Dragons RFC, praised the partnership with Wootton Group following completion of the project.
Environmental impact has become an important consideration for the club, alongside the need to manage the substantial amount of electricity required to operate Rodney Parade.
The project gives Dragons RFC a long-term energy solution designed around the way the stadium operates.
Wootton Group Managing Director Neil Stonelake explained the importance of combining Solar PV with battery storage.
Rather than generating electricity only when the sun is shining, the battery system allows energy to be stored and used when the stadium needs it.
This provides greater flexibility and reduces the amount of purchased electricity required during periods of higher demand.
Supporting commercial properties across the UK
The Rodney Parade project represents part of Wootton Group’s growing work with commercial organisations across the UK
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Solar PV and battery storage are increasingly relevant for businesses with large roof areas and regular daytime or evening electricity demand.
Suitable properties include:
Commercial offices
Warehouses and distribution centres
Manufacturing facilities
Retail premises
Hotels and hospitality venues
Sports clubs and stadiums
Schools and educational buildings
Care facilities
Landlords with commercial property portfolios
Community buildings and leisure facilities
For commercial property owners, rising operating costs place greater focus on long-term energy planning.
Solar PV provides an opportunity to generate electricity directly from available roof space. Battery storage increases the amount of generated electricity retained for use within the property.
Together, these systems help businesses reduce grid reliance, improve control over energy expenditure and support long-term carbon reduction plans.
A complete commercial renewable energy service
Projects of this scale require more than installing solar panels.
The Rodney Parade project involved extensive planning, site surveys, project management and liaison with National Grid before installation work began.
Wootton Group supports commercial customers throughout the process, from the initial assessment through to installation and commissioning.
Our wider commercial renewable energy services also include battery storage, heat pumps and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Thinking about Solar PV for your commercial property?
If you own or manage a commercial property and want to reduce energy costs, your roof space could represent a significant opportunity.
Wootton Group will review your property, electricity usage and energy requirements before discussing the most suitable approach for your site.
Whether you operate a warehouse, office, sports facility, retail property, hospitality venue or wider commercial estate, our team will help you understand what Solar PV and battery storage would mean for your organisation.
Speak to Wootton Group about your commercial Solar PV project.
Email: info@woottongroup.co.uk
Website: www.woottongroup.co.uk
Telephone: 0330 401 1079