The Snow Centre Installs Rooftop Solar Panels

11th September 2025

Last modified on September 18th, 2025

The 1,940-panel rooftop system, which now powers 22.7% of The Snow Centre’s energy needs.

It will generate over 790,000 kWh of clean electricity annually and reduce carbon emissions by 163 tonnes every year.

That’s the carbon saving equivalent of:

• Sequestering carbon across 4 acres of forest annually, or
• 926 economy return flights from London to Geneva every year

Alongside the Solar Panel project at Hemel Hempstead, The Snow Centre has invested heavily in four new and more energy efficient chillers across both its Hemel Hempstead and Manchester sites.

Snow Centre is also investigating wind and further renewable energy options through investment in new technologies, energy-saving efficiencies, and renewable energy, as part of its commitment to reducing its impact on the environment.

“We’re proud to be leading the way – not just in how we operate, but in what we stand for,” said Ian Brown, Managing Director of The Snow Centre.

“This project proves that sustainability can enhance operations, not hinder them. It’s good for the environment, good for our bottom line, and good for the ski community as a whole.”

Snow Centre Solar Panels. Image c/o Snow Centre.

The project was far from straightforward.

The roof’s living structure, multiple elevations, fire safety requirements, and 24/7 operational environment (essential for maintaining snow conditions) demanded a tailored solution.

eEnergy’s design used a non-penetrating, clamped mounting system and bifacial, glass-backed solar modules to protect biodiversity and structural integrity.

Post-installation, teams encountered unexpected issues caused by local crows dropping stones on panels – believed to be a reaction to glare.

Damage was traced to one specific roof area and is being mitigated with targeted interventions including gutter netting and ongoing monitoring.

Vegetation under and around the panels also needed careful control.

Left unmanaged, it could lead to shading and performance loss.

eEnergy has worked with the client to put in place a robust vegetation management plan.

Snow Centre Solar Panels. Image c/o Snow Centre.

“As an ambassador for Protect Our Winters UK, partner of The Snow Centre and founder of the Warren Smith Ski Academy, I was thrilled to hear the news about eEnergy solar array at The Snow Centre,” said Warren Smith.

“I grew up and learnt to ski there, so to know it can now generate enough clean energy in a single day to power the lift system is incredible.

“For the ski industry, it’s inspiring to see real action being taken — this is the kind of progress we need to protect the future of our sport.”

The Snow Centre. Image © PlanetSKI

“As a lifelong skier, this one matters to me personally,” said Harvey Sinclair, CEO of eEnergy.

“With increasingly unpredictable weather and rising temperatures, the ski industry really needs to make actionable steps to create sustainable and greener processes to ensure its survival.

“This project was no walk in the park – from engineering challenges to wildlife surprises – but it’s a shining example of what’s possible when you blend passion with purpose.

“As a major step forward for the UK ski industry, this installation shows other businesses in the sector, and beyond, that Net Zero is more than a goal – it’s within reach.”

However, it looks unlikely there will ever be skiing again on the roof of The Snow Centre.

In January 2010 the head of the ski school at The Snow Centre, Pete Gillespie, made some turns on the roof after some heavy snowfall.

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