Exeter City training ground goes solar in green energy upgrade

Exeter City Football Club has installed 108 solar panels at its Cliff Hill training ground, switching to renewable energy in a major step towards its sustainability goals.

The project was made possible through Devon County Council’s Green Impact Fund, with the work carried out by local electrical engineering specialists EX2 Group, whose Eco-Tech division handled the installation.

The new solar system is expected to generate over 40 megawatt hours of energy annually and save around 9 tonnes of carbon emissions each year - equivalent to the carbon absorbed by 415 trees.

Sam Charters, Eco-Tech Divisional Manager at EX2 Group, said:

“This is an excellent project for us. As well as our commitment to helping our community cut costs and carbon, the EX2 Group is a long-term supporter of Exeter City Football Club, so we are delighted to be working with them.

“By powering this site with renewable energy, the club is showing their commitment to their net zero goals and local community. We are looking forward to collaborating with them on further projects as they aim to reform the energy use across their sites.”

The Grecians are participating in the EFL’s Green Clubs initiative and plan to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework later this year, signalling strong environmental ambition.

Travis Bramley, Sustainability Officer at ECFC, said:

“We’ve been promising fans solar for some time now and it feels fantastic to finally be delivering on this, thanks to the support of Devon County Council, the Trust and of course, the expertise of EX2.

“We’re thrilled to be working with a trusted local supplier and are excited to benefit from the carbon savings of this project, as well as the clear financial benefits.”

The Green Impact Fund is a £1.8 million capital grant scheme funded by the UK government as part of the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal, managed by Devon County Council. Exeter City is among several local organisations to benefit.

EX2 Group have long supported the club, including previous electrical works at St James Park’s Adam Stansfield Stand. Their Eco-Tech division delivers low-carbon energy solutions such as solar PV, lighting controls, and EV charging systems.