Summary
EvoEnergy delivered a 1.5 MWp solar photovoltaic installation at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, representing the largest solar PV system ever installed on a UK stadium. Installed across the non-retractable east and west roof sections, the system now generates approximately 1,241,800 kWh of renewable electricity annually, offsetting 21.77 percent of the stadium’s electricity demand. The project saves 257,115 kg of CO₂ per year and delivers a strong commercial payback of three years and seven months.
The Challenge
Delivering a large-scale solar installation on one of the UK’s most iconic live-event venues required careful coordination, structural assessment and precise programme management. The system could only be installed on the non-retractable east and west sides of the roof, both of which had restricted load-bearing capacity and required detailed structural analysis and a carefully engineered mounting solution.
Logistics were particularly complex due to the stadium’s riverside location, which prevented the use of conventional external lifting methods. All materials had to enter internally through the “Dragon’s Mouth” pitch entrance. A large crane was positioned in the centre of the stadium on the pitch to lift pallets and equipment approximately 60 metres to roof level.
Although the overall installation programme spanned six weeks, the crane was available for only two weeks, meaning that every mounting system, panel and associated component had to be lifted onto the roof within that fixed window before the pitch protection plates were removed and the playing surface reinstated.
The site was subject to heightened health and safety scrutiny, and all works had to be delivered without disrupting the stadium’s event calendar or visitor experience. Cabling routes also required careful integration into existing infrastructure to maintain the visual integrity of the venue.
Our Solution
EvoEnergy secured the project through a competitive tender process, demonstrating a clear understanding of the structural, logistical and operational constraints unique to the stadium environment. Early collaboration with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Facilities Manager ensured that system positioning across the east and west roof sections aligned with structural limits and operational requirements.
A weight-managed ballasted mounting system was engineered specifically for the non-retractable roof areas, supported by detailed modelling to ensure compliance with loading constraints. During the two-week lifting window, two coordinated delivery teams operated simultaneously to maximise productivity and ensure all materials were successfully craned to roof level before access to the pitch was withdrawn. Materials were distributed methodically across the roof to manage weight and mitigate wind exposure within the stadium bowl.
Digital tools supported programme tracking, structural verification and quality control, while a smart metering system was installed to provide real-time generation data under a ten-year operations and maintenance agreement. Sustainability measures were embedded throughout construction, with all pallets and packaging segregated for recycling, a locally sourced crane supplier reducing transport impact, and site staff accommodated locally to minimise travel emissions. Stadium tours continued during construction, and EvoEnergy delivered short briefings to visitors explaining the installation and its environmental benefits.
The Result
The completed 1.5 MWp system comprises 3,296 Trina 455W modules and generates approximately 1,241,800 kWh of renewable electricity each year. The installation offsets 21.77 percent of the stadium’s electricity demand and saves 257,115 kg of CO₂ annually, contributing meaningfully to the Welsh Rugby Union’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050 so far as reasonably practicable.
The project was delivered safely, within programme and without disruption to scheduled events. By integrating renewable infrastructure onto a nationally significant venue under strict logistical constraints, EvoEnergy has set a new benchmark for large-scale solar deployment across UK stadium assets while demonstrating that complex public infrastructure can transition to low-carbon energy without compromising performance or experience.