The Sport Wales Energy Grant is helping clubs across Wales cut energy bills and invest in long-term sustainability. If you run a sports club or manage a facility, this grant could unlock up to £25,000 in funding for energy-saving improvements such as solar panels and battery storage.
This article explains everything you need to know, from eligibility criteria and application stages to how Green Energy Solar can support your club with solar panel installation and battery storage.
What Is the Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant?
The Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant is a targeted funding scheme designed to help sports clubs in Wales reduce their energy usage and lower running costs. Open until 25 June 2025, it offers grants of up to £25,000 per club.
The aim is simple: support not-for-profit organisations to become more energy efficient, sustainable and financially resilient.
Why Now Is the Time for Sports Clubs to Act
Rising Energy Bills for Sports Facilities
Running a clubhouse or changing room comes with significant utility bills. With energy prices fluctuating and inflation still impacting operating budgets, many clubs are under pressure to cut overheads — without compromising on services for members.
Energy-saving upgrades like solar power and insulation can deliver long-term savings, but the initial investment is often a barrier. That’s where the Sport Wales Energy Grant steps in.
Real-Life Example: Dovey Yacht Club*
Dovey Yacht Club received £24,581 through the Energy Saving Grant. They installed 20 solar panels and a Tesla Powerwall to store energy for use during evenings and off-peak times.
Before the upgrade, their monthly energy bill was over £1,100. With their new system, they’ve significantly reduced costs and now reinvest more into club activities.
*case study sourced from Sport Wales website https://www.sport.wales/grants-and-funding/energy-saving-grant/testimonials/
Our Experience with Sports Clubs
At Green Energy Solar, we’ve already helped a number of sports clubs across South Wales benefit from solar panel installations — reducing their running costs and improving sustainability.
We understand the needs of local clubs and provide tailored solutions to fit each site, building type and usage pattern.
Here are just a few examples of who we’re working with:
- Brynhyfryd Bowls Club, Neath
- Dafen Cricket Club, Llanelli
- Machen Sports Pavilion, Caerphilly
- Dinas Powys Bowls Club, Vale of Glamorgan
By working closely with clubs of all sizes, we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that solar energy can make — from cutting energy bills to supporting grant applications like the Sport Wales Energy Grant.
Key Dates and Application Stages
The application process is split into two stages, starting with an Expression of Interest and ending with a full grant submission supported by an energy survey.
Stage 1: Expression of Interest
- Opens: Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 10am
- Closes: Wednesday 25 June 2025 at 3pm
In this stage, you’ll be asked to outline your club, your proposed energy upgrades, and your estimated project cost.
Stage 2: Full Application (Invitation Only)
- Opens: Wednesday 16 July 2025
- Closes: Wednesday 1 October 2025
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll need to complete an energy survey to back up your full application. If your bid is unsuccessful at this stage, Sport Wales will reimburse 50% of your energy survey cost.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply for the Sport Wales Energy Grant?
You can apply if your club or organisation meets the following conditions:
- You’re a not-for-profit sports club or community group based in Wales.
- You own your facility or have at least 7 years left on your lease.
- Your project hasn’t started yet.
- You’re able to begin work by 31 March 2026.
- You can finish the work within 12 months of receiving the grant.
- You can contribute at least 20% of the total project cost, including the survey.
Note: Applications with the biggest energy-saving impact will be prioritised for funding.
How to Apply for the Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant
Here’s a step-by-step summary of the full application process:
- Submit Expression of Interest (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=fg8zL6kBdkih0t5z5One2HeRcLR3HGRBjnshv7pvHNNUOEFMNEFRTTNDODRWTTlNR0ZMTDBJNFkyWi4u)
- Open until 25 June 2025
- Sport Wales aims to respond within 2 working days
Complete Stage 1 Application
Provide more details about your club, goals, and cost estimates
Energy Survey (if invited to Stage 2)
Book a professional survey to identify the best energy-saving upgrades.
Complete Full Application
Use the survey to guide your proposal and submit before 1 October 2025
Why Choose Solar Panels for Your Sports Club?
Of all the funding options available, solar energy provides some of the fastest and most measurable returns.
Benefits of Solar Panels for Sports Clubs
For many sports clubs, investing in solar is a strategic decision that can significantly improve financial stability, reduce reliance on volatile energy market and support community engagement.
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
Lower Electricity Bills All Year Round
Electricity is often one of the biggest overheads for sports clubs, especially those with clubhouses, changing rooms, showers, gyms, or hospitality areas. Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, reducing your reliance on the grid and cutting monthly energy bills.
Many clubs see a return on investment within a few years, especially when combined with grant funding like the Sport Wales Energy Grant. Savings can then be reinvested into improving your club’s facilities, coaching, or member experience.
Example:
 If your club currently pays £1,000 a month for electricity, solar could cut that bill by up to 60% depending on roof size, orientation and usage patterns.
Store Energy with Battery Systems
Pairing your solar panels with a battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall) allows your club to store excess energy generated during the day and use it later — in the evening or during high-demand periods.
This is particularly useful for clubs with evening training sessions, events, or bar operations that run outside of daylight hours.
Key benefits of battery storage:
- Maximise the use of your own solar power
- Reduce peak-time energy charges
- Maintain power during short outages
- Use stored energy even on overcast days
Protection Against Rising Energy Prices
Energy prices in the UK have been volatile in recent years. Installing solar panels helps protect your club from price increases by generating your own clean power on-site. You’ll also be less affected by future changes to standing charges or grid tariffs.
Clubs that take early action on solar gain a long-term advantage, securing predictable running costs for the future.
Reduced Carbon Footprint and Sustainability Goals
Installing solar panels demonstrates your club’s commitment to sustainability, carbon reduction and climate responsibility — values that are becoming increasingly important to members, local councils and funding bodies.
Promoting your club’s green credentials can strengthen relationships with:
- Local authorities and grant providers
- Members who value sustainability
- Sponsors looking to support ethical and responsible organisations
Bonus Tip: Highlighting your solar investment in newsletters, signage, or social media can show your community that your club is forward-thinking and environmentally aware.
Minimal Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
Solar panels have no moving parts and require very little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and system checks. Modern systems are built to withstand all UK weather conditions and come with warranties of 20–25 years or more.
Inverter and battery components typically come with warranties ranging from 10–15 years and Green Energy Solar offers ongoing servicing packages to ensure everything runs efficiently.
Better Use of Unused Roof Space
Many clubs have large, underused roof areas — on clubhouses, pavilions, gym blocks, or indoor training facilities. Installing solar panels transforms that otherwise wasted space into a productive energy asset.
No additional land is needed and installations can often be completed with minimal disruption to your club’s normal activities.
Improve Your Club’s Appeal to Sponsors and Members
Showing your commitment to reducing your carbon footprint can help improve your club’s image and widen its appeal. Sponsors are increasingly looking to partner with clubs that align with their own ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments.
For members and volunteers, it’s a tangible sign that the club is planning for the future — not just financially, but environmentally too.
Access to Additional Support and Incentives
In addition to the Sport Wales Energy Grant, there may be other funding streams, tax benefits, or community energy incentives available. Green Energy Solar can help identify these opportunities as part of your application and proposal process.
Our team also supports clubs in completing their energy surveys, which are essential for Stage 2 of the grant application.
Why Add Battery Storage?
Battery storage systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall, allow your club to store solar energy during the day and use it in the evening — when clubhouses are often at their busiest.
This makes your solar investment even more effective, particularly during winter months when energy use is higher and sunlight hours are shorter.
How Green Energy Solar Can Help Your Club
At Green Energy Solar, we specialise in:
- Solar panel installation
- Battery storage systems
- Maintenance and servicing for existing solar energy setups
We’re based in Cardiff and cover the whole of South and West Wales, working with domestic and commercial clients, including sports clubs just like yours.
What Makes Us Different?
- Trusted by clubs, schools and businesses across the region.
- Fully accredited and insured.
- Turnkey installation: design, install and connect to your energy system.
- Battery and inverter options from top brands like Tesla and SolarEdge.
- Honest, expert advice tailored to your building and usage needs.
We’ll also help you through the energy survey stage and can support your Stage 2 application to Sport Wales.
Speak to our team
Act Now: Secure Your Funding Before 25 June 2025
Fill out the expression of interest form on the Sport Wales website:
Energy costs will only continue to rise, but with help from the Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant, your club can take control of its future. Whether you’re a rugby club, bowls club, sailing group or community sports facility, these funds could make a huge difference.
Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant FAQs
Up to £25,000 per club. You must cover at least 20% of the total project cost.
Yes. Solar panels and battery storage are eligible upgrades under the scheme.
An energy survey is a professional assessment of your building’s energy usage. It helps identify what improvements would make the biggest impact and is required for Stage 2 of the application. If you’re unsuccessful at Stage 2, Sport Wales will cover 50% of your survey cost.
Yes, but only if your lease has seven or more years remaining. If not, you won’t be eligible under the current grant rules
Yes, solar panels offer long-term savings regardless of funding and Green Energy Solar can offer flexible installation options and finance solutions to help make the investment more manageable.
If your question still has not been answered, or you are looking for a free quote on domestic solar panels, contact us today or fill out the call back form below.
