Stowmarket Town Council is pleased to announce the successful completion of a solar energy installation at Stowmarket Lawn Tennis Club, delivered with support from the Town Council’s Stowmarket Sport Facilities Fund.
The Town Council awarded £12,500 towards the £14,595 scheme, with the remaining £2,095 funded by the club. The investment has enabled the installation of 12 high-efficiency solar panels, a hybrid inverter and battery storage system at the clubhouse on Iliffe Way.
The new system will significantly reduce the club’s reliance on grid electricity — previously its largest annual expense at more than £6,000 per year — while protecting it against future energy price increases.
Supporting Year-Round Tennis
From October to March, the club operates an inflatable dome covering three courts, providing one of the few indoor tennis facilities in the county. Maintaining the dome requires continuous power, alongside increased use of floodlighting during the winter months.
The solar and battery system has been carefully designed to maximise savings throughout the year:
· During the summer months, surplus solar energy can be exported back to the grid.
· During the winter, lower-cost overnight electricity can be stored in batteries and used during peak daytime hours to power the dome.
The installation is forecast to pay for itself in just over nine years, with projected savings of approximately £43,926 over 20 years.
Investing in Long-Term Community Benefit
Stowmarket Lawn Tennis Club benefits an estimated 500+ people each year, including members, junior players, visiting community groups, tournament participants and families attending open days and holiday camps.
By reducing its largest operational cost, the club gains greater financial stability and flexibility to reinvest in facilities and accessibility improvements — helping to ensure tennis remains affordable and inclusive for local residents.
Town Mayor David Child said:
“Stowmarket Town Council is proud to support this forward-thinking investment. By helping local sports organisations reduce their long-term running costs, we are strengthening their sustainability and ensuring they can continue to serve the community for many years to come.”
Graham Hawkey-Smith, Chairman of Stowmarket Lawn Tennis Club, added:
“This is a significant step forward for the club as it celebrates its 125th anniversary. Reducing our energy costs gives us greater financial stability and allows us to invest back into improving facilities and widening access for the community. We are very grateful to the Town Council for their support.”
Launched in summer 2023, the Stowmarket Sport Facilities Fund forms part of the Town Council’s £100,000 Sports Pledge, created to enhance local sports infrastructure and secure its long-term sustainability.
This is the second project delivered through the Fund, reinforcing the Town Council’s commitment to sustainable community sport in Stowmarket.
Photo credit: Steve Abbott Photography