Behind the technology powering a greener – and cheaper

Behind the technology powering a greener – and cheaper – game

How solar panels, batteries and smart monitoring are helping grassroots clubs cut bills, take greater control of their energy and keep more money in local football.

Solar panels generating electricity, batteries storing it for later and an app showing clubs exactly how their energy is working.

Together, they are among the simple combination of technologies E.ON Next has been installing to help grassroots football clubs generate more of their own electricity, rely less on the grid and reduce their energy costs.

They are part of the wider package of measures we have been delivering with The FA through England Football’s the Greener Game programme, supported by E.ON Next.

Across England, Stephen Holmes and his team at E.ON Control Solutions have been installing solar photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems at participating clubs, giving them the technology to generate, store and better understand their own energy.

And while the technology behind the initiative is smart, the principle is deliberately straightforward – generate more, store what you can and make every unit of energy work harder.

Generating power when the sun shines

Solar PV panels are installed at participating Greener Game clubs to turn daylight into electricity, which can be used on site.

It means electricity generated on the roof can help power the everyday running of a grassroots club – reducing the amount it needs to buy from the grid and, in turn, helping bring down energy costs.

Each installation is tailored to the individual football club once they have been approved for funding through the programme, and following a pre-arranged site visit.

Store it for when it’s needed

Of course, clubs don’t only use electricity when their solar panels are generating it.

That’s where the battery comes in.

Solar battery storage systems capture excess electricity generated by the panels during the day rather than allowing that energy to go unused.

Stored power can then be drawn on later, including when electricity demand is higher or solar generation is lower.

Put simply – generate it, store it, use it.

By making greater use of the electricity they produce themselves, clubs can reduce their reliance on electricity bought from the grid and make their solar generation work harder for them.

Monitor what your energy is doing

The third part of the installation system sits in the palm of the club’s hand.

Through a mobile app, the way systems are performing can be seen in real time through a simple dashboard.

Users can monitor how much solar electricity is being generated, how much energy the site is consuming and how much charge is held in the battery.

They can also see electricity being imported from or exported to the grid.

It turns something that can often feel invisible into information clubs can see, understand and use.

Crucially, it gives them a clearer picture of the savings their new technology is delivering.

Stephen Holmes from E.ON Control Solutions, pictured above left, said: “One of the key benefits of the Greener Game programme is that once a club has been approved for funding, there is no cost to them for the installation.  

“While system sizes vary depending on the site, every club starts benefitting from reduced energy costs from the day the system is switched on.

“The technology gives clubs clear visibility of their energy generation, battery performance, and consumption through an easy-to-use app, helping them understand exactly how the system is performing and where savings are being made.

“It’s a simple way for clubs to reduce both their operating costs and their carbon footprint.”

For grassroots clubs, every pound spent on energy is a pound which cannot be spent elsewhere.

Reducing those costs can free up money for the things that make clubs such an important part of their communities – from facilities and equipment to players, volunteers and opportunities for local people.

The technology behind the Greener Game may be smart.

But the idea at its heart couldn’t be simpler – generate more of your own energy, store more of it for when you need it, understand how you’re using it… and spend less on powering the club.

Gloucester City AFC recently became the 50th club to power up through the Greener Game – a major milestone for the five-year programme supporting grassroots football across England.

It came after we found the clubs taking part in the initiative have already cut their energy consumption by up to a quarter.

At Gloucester City AFC, an initial audit led to the installation of a 13.8kWp solar system and 17.4kWh of battery storage at New Meadow Park, alongside insulation improvements.

Together, the measures are projected to cut energy use by around 37,700kWh – the equivalent electricity needs of 14 average UK houses – and should save the club a projected £11,300 a year on energy bills.

Those savings can instead go back into football, club facilities and wider community activity.

Gloucester City AFC runs senior men’s, women’s and reserve teams, alongside youth football and FA Wildcats – a non-competitive football programme for girls aged five to 11.

James Kendall, The FA’s Director of Football Development, said: “Grassroots football clubs are at the heart of communities across England, and the Greener Game is helping to ensure they can continue to thrive for generations to come.

“Reaching our 50th installation is a fantastic team effort and demonstrates the growing impact the programme is having across the country. Gloucester City AFC is a great example of a club embracing sustainability while creating a stronger future for the players, volunteers and supporters who rely on it.”

Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON UK – pictured below right – added: “This is a real landmark moment – 50 clubs supported means thousands of players, volunteers and communities benefitting from one Greener Game.

“It means 50 community hubs are reducing running costs and creating savings that can be reinvested where they matter most – back into local people, facilities and grassroots football. They are better able to bring people together, create opportunities for young people and provide a sense of belonging. This is what we mean by making new energy work for everyone.”

Small businesses face many of the pressures familiar to grassroots clubs – from managing energy bills to making limited budgets stretch further.

And the solutions that can help them are the same as those being deployed as part of the Greener Game.

Solar panels can generate electricity on site, batteries have the capability to store excess power for later and Insulation can reduce waste, while smarter tariffs can help businesses manage costs more effectively.

Government research has found 67% of small and medium-sized businesses investing in sustainability measures reported reduced operational costs.

And E.ON Next is helping businesses take that practical approach through solar and battery solutions designed to reduce reliance on the grid and make better use of self-generated electricity.

Our business solar and battery packages allow businesses to generate their own clean electricity, store excess power for when it is needed and reduce exposure to peak-time grid costs.

Unused electricity can also be sold back to the grid through E.ON Next’s Smart Export Guarantee tariff.

Scott added: “Small businesses can face similar pressures to football clubs: unpredictable bills and limited spending powers.

“The Greener Game shows how the right advice and technology can make energy a source of real competitive advantage.”

The Greener Game was launched by The FA and E.ON Next in 2024 to help grassroots football clubs tackle energy costs while supporting a more sustainable future.

Eligible clubs receive tailored energy audits and recommendations, with selected sites then receiving funding for energy-saving improvements.

More than £1.5million is being invested in the programme each year, with around 75 to 100 clubs expected to receive support annually.

Since its launch, hundreds of clubs have received practical advice and resources to help reduce energy use.

Audits have identified opportunities ranging from solar panels and batteries to insulation and heat pumps.

Early installations have already delivered savings beyond initial forecasts – creating more money which can be reinvested in grassroots sport and community facilities.

As the programme grows, The FA and E.ON Next are encouraging more eligible clubs to get involved – to help them cut costs and emissions, while strengthening their place at the heart of their communities.

For more information on getting involved in the Greener Game, click here.

The information (including any forecasts or projections) contained in these press releases (the "Information") reflects the views and opinions of E.ON on the date of the press release. The Information is intended as a guide only and nothing contained within these press releases is to be taken, or relied upon, as advice. E.ON makes no warranties, representations or undertakings about any of the Information (including, without limitation, any as to its quality, accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose) and E.ON accepts no liability whatsoever for any action or omission taken by you in relation to the Information. Any reliance you place on the Information is solely at your own risk. These press releases are the property of E.ON and you may not copy, modify, publish, repost or distribute it without our permission. © E.ON 2026

Download images from our media library.