Heaton Stannington AFC is a community football club in Newcastle upon Tyne. To reduce the running costs of its ground and facilities, the club partnered with DES Renewable Energy to install a rooftop solar PV system with battery storage that generates clean electricity onsite, lowers energy bills and supports its long-term sustainability goals.
Project overview
Heaton Stannington AFC commissioned DES Renewable Energy to install a 19.89 kWp solar PV system across its roof. The installation comprised 34 x 585W Astronergy panels connected to a Solax 20kW string inverter and 30kW hybrid inverter, paired with battery storage. The project aimed to reduce electricity costs, lower carbon emissions and enhance long-term financial sustainability.
Project details
- Company: Heaton Stannington AFC
- Location: Newton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7HP
- Solar system capacity: 19.89 kWp
- Estimated annual generation: 16,485 kWh
- Installation type: Trapezoidal roof solar panels with battery storage
- Project timeline: Delivered March 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 34 x 585W Astronergy panels across the trapezoidal roof. Power conversion is handled by a Solax 20kW string inverter and 30kW hybrid inverter, paired with battery storage to maximise self-consumption. The system integrates 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 16,485 kWh of estimated clean energy each year, saving an estimated 3.4 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
- 34 x 585W Astronergy panels on a trapezoidal roof
- 19.89 kWp total system capacity
- Solax 20kW string inverter and 30kW hybrid inverter with battery storage
- An estimated 16,485 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 Heaton Stannington AFC has, get your free bill check or explore commercial solar to see what a bespoke system could deliver for your site.
Download the full Heaton Stannington AFC case study (PDF).
More recent commercial & community installations by DES
You can see all our commercial case studies, or read about our recent projects for Bridlington Club For Young People and Bridlington Rugby Union Football Club.