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Installed by Spirit Energy for Basingstoke Golf Club, 2025

Why Golf Courses Should Consider Solar Panels

Golf courses consume a significant amount of energy. Rising electricity prices mean these costs continue to climb, putting pressure on course operators. Installing solar PV for golf courses offers a long-term solution by generating clean, low-cost electricity on site. Beyond reducing bills, solar for golf courses demonstrates a strong commitment to operating as a sustainable site, attracting players and members who value eco-friendly practices.

Here are our most recent green golf courses projects: Basingstoke Golf Club and Old Thorns Golf Club.

Contact Spirit Energy to explore commercial PV for your business.

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Do Solar Panels Make Sense for  Golf Courses?

Running a golf course involves high and constant energy use, from powering large clubhouses and kitchens to running irrigation systems and charging electric buggies.

Installing solar PV for golf courses allows clubs to generate their own renewable power on site, reducing reliance on the grid and protecting against future price hikes. Beyond the financial savings, solar for golf courses supports their reputation as sustainable golf courses, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly and green golf courses.

Installed by Spirit Energy, 2025

Should Businesses Invest in Solar? - Spirit Energy YouTube Case Study.

 

Old Thorns Hotel and Golf Club Solar PV Installation by Spirit Energy

 

Installed by Spirit Energy, 2021

What is the Payback Period for Golf Course Solar?

The payback period for golf course solar varies depending on system size, energy use, and electricity tariffs, but many clubs see returns even within 6 years. Over a system lifetime of 25 years or more, the savings can far exceed the upfront cost, making solar for golf courses a reliable long-term investment for sustainable golf course operations. Spirit Energy has delivered solar installations for golf courses and other large sites, giving us direct experience of the opportunities and challenges in this sector. These projects anticipate achieving an excellent ROI:

  Payback Period Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
Basingstoke Golf Club 3 years 42%
Old Thorns Hotel and Golf Club 6 years 19%

 

The Role of Solar Power in Golf Course Sustainability

Solar PV for golf courses generates clean electricity directly on site, lowering reliance on the grid and protecting against rising energy prices.

By adopting solar for golf courses, clubs can position themselves as sustainable golf courses, attract environmentally conscious members, and take meaningful steps towards reducing their carbon footprint. 

Installed by Spirit Energy, 2021

FAQ

The main advantages of solar panels on a golf course are:

  • Lower energy bills – Golf courses use significant amounts of electricity to power irrigation systems, lighting, and clubhouse facilities. Solar reduces reliance on the grid and cuts monthly costs, helping clubs stabilise budgets.

  • Sustainability – By reducing carbon emissions, solar panels allow golf clubs to meet environmental targets and promote themselves as leaders in sustainability, which is increasingly valued by members and visitors.

  • Efficient use of space – Panels can be installed on clubhouse rooftops or unused land, making productive use of areas that would otherwise sit idle, without affecting play or course aesthetics.

  • Support for EV charging – Solar can provide clean power for electric golf cart charging and member EV charging stations, reducing fuel use and creating new services for players.

  • Long-term value – Once installed, solar panels deliver decades of predictable, low-maintenance energy, strengthening the club’s financial position and protecting against rising energy prices.

The cost of solar panels for a golf course depends on system size, location, and whether panels are roof-mounted, ground-mounted, or installed as solar carports. Battery storage adds to upfront costs but increases savings by storing excess energy for peak demand. Despite the investment, most golf courses see strong returns through lower bills, long warranties, and potential government incentives or grants.

Yes. Many golf courses have unused or non-play land that is ideal for ground-mounted solar panels. These areas can host large arrays without disrupting the course layout or player experience. Ground-mounted systems allow clubs to scale up their renewable energy generation well beyond what roof space alone can provide

Solar power can fully support golf cart charging stations by generating clean electricity on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering running costs. During the day, solar panels produce power that can be used directly for charging, while battery storage enables carts to be charged overnight or in low-sunlight conditions.

Watch our YouTube video to learn more!

 

Solar panels will not impact the quality of play or course's aesthetics. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, carports, or in non-play areas, ensuring they don’t interfere with the course layout or golfer experience. Carport solar systems can also provide shaded parking for members.

Delivering Clean Energy at
Basingstoke Golf Club

Our most recent golf course installation on Basingstoke Golf Club  features 263 high-efficiency solar panels.

The 118.35 kWp array will generate about 104,000 kWh of clean electricity each year, trimming annual energy bills by roughly £21,000 while preventing 23,432 kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere.

Read more here.

Basingstoke Golf Club Solar Installation by Spirit Energy, 2025

Old Thorns Hotel and Golf Club installed by Spirit Energy, 2021

Case Study

At Old Thorns Hotel and Golf Club, Spirit Energy designed and installed a 217 kWp solar PV system comprising 572 high-efficiency panels across multiple roof spaces.

The system was configured to maximise on-site generation during peak daytime demand, offsetting energy use across the clubhouse, hotel, and leisure facilities.

With annual generation exceeding 200,000 kWh, the installation significantly reduces reliance on grid electricity and is projected to cut carbon emissions by over 90 tonnes per year.

Read more here

Solar PV Experts

With energy costs continuing to rise and the pressure to meet sustainability targets, switching to solar is a practical way to cut running expenses and show a clear commitment to sustainable operations.

Spirit Energy specialises in solar for golf courses, offering clear advice on system design, expected performance and the financial returns you could achieve.

Spirit Energy's 100% in-house design and installation team helps businesses make the most effective use of their roof area and tailors solutions that fit both their budget and long-term plans. Installations are built with future expansion in mind, allowing additional capacity to be added as needs grow.

Vishal Giga
Operations Director

Joined Spirit in 2010

Vishal joined Spirit Energy a few months after Erica and Ian founded the business in 2010 as a project manager, and is now our Operations Director. All of our project managers and installers are in-house, and Vishal oversees them all and is in charge of making sure that every project goes smoothly and is installed on time. Vish has a wealth of experience with both commercial and residential projects, and directly manages every commercial project that we do, including our installations at Philip Dennis Foodservice in April 2024, and Hansgrohe's headquarters in September 2024.

Justin Parsons
Head of Installations

Joined Spirit in 2010

Justin is the backbone of the company and part of the leadership team. He has overall responsibility for the installers, electrical design and sign off of all systems as well doing a technical and structural survey for every project to ensure we can manage each job perfectly. His devotion and meticulous attention to detail has helped build Spirit into the reputable and trustworthy brand we are today. 

You will most likely meet Justin on your technical & structural survey where he will plan your entire installation and run you through every minute detail. 

"My ultimate goal is to ensure our operations run smoothly, delivering exceptional customer service and top-quality installations to every customer, domestic or commercial."

-Vishal Giga, Operations Director

"I know that the technical & structural survey is a step that other installers don't feel is necessary, but many of Spirit's customers appreciate the chance to talk to the actual installers before the installation date."

-Justin Parsons, Head of Installations