AFC Sudbury is a community football club based in Sudbury, Suffolk, playing at the Mel Group Stadium on Brundon Lane. To reduce the running costs of its stadium and facilities, the club partnered with DES Renewable Energy to install a large-scale rooftop solar PV system with battery storage and EV charging that generates clean electricity onsite, lowers energy bills and supports its long-term sustainability goals.
Project overview
AFC Sudbury commissioned DES Renewable Energy to install a 110.56 kWp solar PV system across its stadium roof. The installation comprised 189 x 585W Astronergy panels connected to two Solax inverters (a 40kW X3-MGA-40K-G2 and a 60kW X3-60K-TL), paired with a 50kW/100kWh Solax Aelio battery and two 22kW Solax EV chargers. The project aimed to reduce electricity costs, lower carbon emissions and enhance long-term financial sustainability.
Project details
- Company: AFC Sudbury FC
- Location: Mel Group Stadium, Brundon Lane, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 7HN
- Solar system capacity: 110.56 kWp
- Estimated annual generation: 89,065 kWh
- Installation type: Trapezoidal roof solar panels with battery storage and EV charging
- Project timeline: Delivered April 2025, from survey to commissioning
The objectives
- Reduce electricity costs and dependence on grid energy
- Improve environmental sustainability by reducing the club’s carbon footprint
- Achieve long-term operational savings and financial returns
- Demonstrate responsible energy practices to members, visitors and the local community
The solution: bespoke assessment and design
DES Renewable Energy conducted a comprehensive assessment of roof space, structural considerations, sun exposure and interlocking constraints. This ensured optimal placement and system sizing to maximise energy production and long-term reliability.
The system was designed with 189 x 585W Astronergy panels across the trapezoidal stadium roof. Power conversion is handled by two Solax inverters (a 40kW X3-MGA-40K-G2 and a 60kW X3-60K-TL). The installation also includes a 50kW/100kWh Solax Aelio battery to maximise self-consumption and two 22kW Solax EV chargers, integrated with the site’s existing electrical infrastructure for efficient energy management.
DES Renewable Energy ensured compliance with building regulations, electrical standards and industry best practice. All necessary permits and approvals were obtained to guarantee a fully compliant and safe installation.
Installation and completion
The installation was carried out with minimal disruption to day-to-day site operations. Panels were securely mounted, connected to the inverters and integrated with the existing electrical system. Comprehensive testing and commissioning verified the system’s performance, functionality and safety. From initial assessment to completed commissioning, DES Renewable Energy provided a turnkey solution that ensures optimal energy generation, regulatory compliance and sustainable operational savings.
The results
- Energy cost reduction: lower electricity bills and reduced reliance on grid energy
- Environmental impact: around 89,065 kWh of estimated clean energy each year, saving an estimated 18.4 tonnes of CO2 annually
- Financial returns: savings on energy costs contribute to long-term financial sustainability
- Public image: demonstrates responsible energy practices to members, visitors and the local community
At a glance
- 189 x 585W Astronergy panels on a trapezoidal roof
- 110.56 kWp total system capacity
- Two Solax inverters (a 40kW X3-MGA-40K-G2 and a 60kW X3-60K-TL)
- 50kW/100kWh Solax Aelio battery plus two 22kW Solax EV chargers
- An estimated 89,065 kWh of clean energy generated per year
- Reduced electricity costs and carbon footprint
Our accreditations
We are MCS certified, which guarantees that our installations have been designed, installed and commissioned to the highest standard using only MCS certified products. We are also NAPIT certified, which confirms that we are certified to install and self-certify all of our electrical installations, and we comply with the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).
Runs a club, community facility or business? See what solar could save you
If your organisation wants to cut its energy bills the way AFC Sudbury has, get your free bill check or explore commercial solar to see what a bespoke system could deliver for your site.
More recent commercial & community installations by DES
You can see all our commercial case studies, or read about our recent projects for Bury Football Club and Heaton Stannington AFC.