The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has switched on a 3,300-panel solar installation at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, claiming it is the “largest solar installation on a sports stadium in Britain”.
The system, supplied by solar installer EvoEnergy, is expected to generate 1.24 GWh. The installation of the solar panels was completed in September 2025 and the system was commissioned earlier this month.
The generation estimate was calculated by EvoEnergy using PVsyst modeling software, which includes long-term meteorological data, system design characteristics and site-specific shading assessments to predict annual energy yields.
Gavin Marshall, Chief Operations and Finance Officer, WRU said: “We will not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also strengthen the Union’s financial sustainability through the money we will save, creating long-term value that can be reinvested in Welsh rugby at every level.”
The organization said the project is part of a wider program to decarbonise Wales’ rugby operations and reduce reliance on electricity from the grid.
In addition to deploying solar energy, the stadium has introduced a range of sustainability measures, including LED lighting upgrades, rainwater harvesting systems, a well water extraction system for non-potable use and sustainable food sourcing initiatives.
The solar installation comes as the WRU prepares to publish its first dedicated sustainability strategy later this year. The strategy will build on the organisation’s 2022 sustainability policy and is expected to outline longer-term plans for reducing emissions and embedding environmental objectives into the governing body’s activities.
