Barnet FC to power new training ground with solar energy (From Harrow Times)

Barnet FC to power new training ground with solar energy

4:30pm Tuesday 21st February 2012 in News By Emma Phippen

Barnet FC's new training ground will be powered by solar energy.

The Hive, in Camrose Avenue, Edgware, will have 800 solar panels to generate most of the site’s electricity.

This will allow the 44 acre centre to cut down its carbon footprint and to produce cleaner electricity.

Barnet FC has invested £400,000 to make the ground greener and the solar panels will be in place by March 2.

The panels will power the offices, changing rooms and dining facilities as well as storing enough energy to power the floodlights after dark.

John Blasebalk, site manager, said: “Installing solar panels at The Hive was an important step, both for the environment and for us as a top class sports facility.

“As a growing part of the local area, we felt it was our responsibility to provide energy to the site that was going to have a positive, long-term effect on the environment.

“We hope, in the future, that we will be able to be continue offering a combination of top-class training and sports facilities to those in the community, whilst knowing that we are doing all we can to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a greener Harrow.”

The new ground cost £11 million to construct and consists of two astroturf pitches, ten grass pitches, 14 dressing rooms and meeting rooms.

It was opened on December 15 by Fabio Capello and Sir Trevor Brooking.