The Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate has installed 1,536 new solar panels, increasing the amount of electricity generated on site.
The new 990.72-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar system has been fitted to the roofs of the Great Yorkshire Events Centre and the Great Yorkshire Show's Sheep Sheds.
According to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the installation is expected to offset 44 per cent of the organisation's annual imported electricity requirements.
The latest addition builds on an existing network of 1,940 solar panels already installed at the Showground.
The Society says it now generates more than half of its own electricity, with any remaining imported power sourced from renewable energy suppliers.
The organisation estimates the new system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 190 tonnes each year. Around 15 per cent of the electricity generated annually is expected to be exported back to the national grid during periods of peak sunlight.
The investment supports operations across the Showground, including the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Pavilions of Harrogate, Fodder, Harrogate Caravan Park and the Regional Agricultural Centre.
Allister Nixon, Chief Executive Officer of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said:
“This latest investment in solar technology represents a massive step forward in the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s sustainability journey, building on previous investments to make the Showground fit for the future.”
Other sustainability measures at the Showground include ground-source heating, LED lighting, energy-saving building management systems, sheep wool insulation, a sedum roof at Fodder food hall, low-flush systems and rainwater harvesting.
Graham Thompson, Commercial Director of Yorkshire Event Centre Limited, which oversees the Showground's commercial operations, said:
“We now have another fantastic feelgood reason for our clients to book their events at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre and Pavilions of Harrogate.
"We are proud that our venues embrace green energy solutions to reduce the Showground’s environmental impact, while investing their profits in the charitable work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society to support and promote farming.”
The solar panels were installed by Local Renewable Services Ltd, based in Bramham.
Danny Warden, Managing Director at Local Renewable Services, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with the Yorkshire Agricultural Society on this significant expansion of solar generation at the Showground.
"The project takes the site past 1MW of total on-site solar capacity, marking an important milestone in the Society’s sustainability journey.
"By building on the existing solar infrastructure across Hall 1 and the Sheep Sheds, the Showground will be able to generate a substantial proportion of its own clean electricity while reducing both carbon emissions and long-term energy costs.”
The Great Yorkshire Showground hosts a range of events throughout the year, including the 167th Great Yorkshire Show, which takes place from 14th to 17th July.
Upcoming events at the venue include Symphonic Ibiza on 15th August and Mathewsons Live 2026 on 22nd and 23rd August.
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