The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, Engalnd is the latest indoor snow centre to create a solar array on its roof, following centres in China, Germany and The Netherlands.

The Snow Centre’s new a rooftop solar installation has been created in partnership with energy services provider eEnergy. The 1,940-panel system now supplies 22.7% of the Centre’s energy needs, generating over 790,000 kWh of clean electricity annually and cutting carbon emissions by 163 tonnes — the equivalent of 926 return flights from London to Geneva.

“This one matters to me personally,” said Harvey Sinclair, CEO of eEnergy. “The ski industry faces real threats from climate change. This project shows what’s possible when you blend passion with purpose.”

The installation posed significant engineering challenges. The roof’s living structure, multiple elevations, and fire safety requirements demanded a bespoke solution. eEnergy deployed bifacial, glass-backed solar modules using a non-penetrating, clamped mounting system to protect biodiversity and structural integrity. Post-installation, crow-related panel damage and vegetation shading were mitigated through targeted interventions and a robust management plan.

The project also included seven external inverters housed in a secure caged structure, electrical infrastructure upgrades, an EV charger, and a planned SolarFox display at the entrance to showcase real-time energy impact.

“We’re proud to be leading the way — not just in how we operate, but in what we stand for,” said Ian Brown, Managing Director of The Snow Centre. “This proves sustainability can enhance operations, not hinder them. It’s good for the environment, good for our bottom line, and good for the ski community.”

The Snow Centre has also invested in four energy-efficient chillers across its Hemel Hempstead and Manchester sites, and is exploring wind and other renewables as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy.

Warren Smith, founder of the Warren Smith Ski Academy and ambassador for Protect Our Winters UK, welcomed the move: “I learnt to ski at The Snow Centre, so to know it can now generate enough clean energy in a single day to power the lift system is incredible. This is the kind of progress we need to protect the future of our sport.”