Yearsley Pool Cuts Grid Electricity Use by 51% Following Solar Installation

Yearsley Swimming Pool has reduced its reliance on electricity from the national grid by an 51% in the three months since a new 182kWh solar panel system was installed.

The Edwardian pool, which has served York residents for more than a century, commissioned the solar array earlier this year as part of a major sustainability project aimed at reducing both operating costs and carbon emissions. The installation was funded through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Mayoral Renewables Fund and became operational in February.

Data collected during the first three months of operation shows the solar panels have generated enough renewable electricity to more than halve the facility's demand from the national grid, significantly exceeding initial expectations.

James Howard, General Manager said "The results have been extremely encouraging, reducing our grid electricity consumption by 51% in just three months shows the real impact renewable energy can have on protecting important community facilities while reducing environmental impact. The reduction demonstrates the effectiveness of investing in renewable energy for community leisure facilities, which have faced rising energy costs in recent years.”

The 182kWh solar array was installed on the roof of the 116-year-old pool and was deliberately sized to support future decarbonisation projects at the site. The system was originally projected to save around £23,000 annually and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 29 tonnes each year.

Yearsley Pool, operated by GLL on behalf of the City of York Council, is one of the city's most cherished sporting venues and remains the only Edwardian 50-yard swimming pool in the north of England. The facility welcomes over 12,000 visitors each month and plays a key role in supporting health, wellbeing and swimming development across the city.

The success of the solar installation is expected to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the pool, helping to shield it from future energy price volatility while contributing to York's wider climate objectives.

Local councillors have previously welcomed the investment, describing it as an important step towards reducing running costs and ensuring the future of one of York's most valued community assets.

With the first quarter of operation now complete, Yearsley Pool's renewable energy project is being viewed as a model for how historic public buildings can embrace modern technology while preserving their heritage for future generations.