Style Guide
Full Solar Installation
Battery Storage
Custom 20% Angle Frame Tilt
Interview with Mike McElhatton, Chairman of Woking Squash Racquets Club
Solar Installation at Woking Squash Racquets Club
In November 2024, Jewel Renewables had the pleasure of providing a proposal to Mike McElhatton, Chairman of Woking Squash Rackets Club. The proposal was for a full solar installation, including battery storage. Within just a few weeks, the system was installed and fully functional. Mike also very kindly agreed to us talking to him about his experience of working with us and his thoughts on the solar panel installation.
Our Collaboration with Woking Squash Racquets Club
About the Club
Woking Squash Rackets Club is a not-for-profit, member run club with approximately 240 local adult members and a number of keen junior members. The club’s mission is to be inclusive, affordable and community-orientated, which is echoed through their regular events including: finals-day celebrations, quiz nights, themed socials (Halloween/Christmas), and junior/ladies community programs.
Energy Profile & Pre-Installation Challenges
Woking Squash Rackets Club’s primary electricity usage stemmed from court lighting. With the electricity spending peaking at £14K, they were prompted to look at ways to reduce energy costs and increase member subscriptions to cover the cost of rapidly rising energy bills. The first step was to switch to a fixed tariff, but this proved to be insufficient to control the rising costs of electricity. So, they had to look at other alternatives, and during an AGM meeting at the club, one member suggested installing solar panels as an option. Following this, they carried out some research into renewable energy providers in the area and came across Jewel Renewables.
Why Go Solar? Collaborating With Jewel Renewables
With a large flat roof and a desire to shift towards greener energy sources, Woking Squash Rackets Club assessed three providers: one was national and two were local. Jewel Renewables won the project based on Mike’s preference to support a local business with competitive pricing, clear professional proposals, and a strong focus on the environment.
The installation, managed by Dave Ashford and his team, ran smoothly with daily progress updates and minimal disruption to Woking Squash Rackets Club and its members. Our team worked extremely hard to provide the club with the best, high-quality renewable solutions, something that we pride ourselves with.
Installation Details, Results & Benefits
- System Size: 30 x 435 W panels (13.05kW)
Battery Storage: 2 x 5kWh Fox batteries - Roof Layout: Custom angles frames at a 20% tilt, aligned for optimal south-facing efficiency
This bespoke setup ensured an efficient energy capture whilst seamlessly using available rooftop space.
The results were as follows:
- Huge Savings: Woking Squash Rackets Club’s energy costs dropped significantly by 75%, comparing year-on-year May 2024 to May 2025, and surplus energy was being sold back to the grid.
- Operational Reliability: The club noticed that no interruption to power followed the switch over from traditional energy sources to solar powered energy, meaning that as little disruption, if at all was made to the electricity.
- Visibility & Member Awareness: The batteries were intentionally on show, reinforcing Woking Squash Rackets Club’s green credentials, which led to a spread of large awareness across the local community.
- Seamless Integration: Members experienced virtually no disruption during the installation. Even though a small section of scaffolding was placed at one edge of the building to allow access to the roof using a handrail along the roofline to protect our installation team, minimal disruption was made to club members.
Return On Investment & Looking To The Future
The initial predicted estimate of an eight year payback was heavily decreased due to current projections now suggesting a full cost recovery in approximately four years, halving the time of the return on investment. This solid, economic outcome was consistent with broader industry performance benchmarks and no grants or tax incentives were applied, making the renewable energy installation entirely self-funded by Woking Squash Rackets Club.
Since the renewable energy installation, the club are now considering adding a few extra panels as opportunities may arise. Furthermore, they are also now considering installing a hot water diverter and humidity-controlled shower fans, further reducing energy waste and advancing towards carbon neutrality, adding to the club’s green credentials.
Key Takeaways, Recommendations & Conclusion
During our interview with Mike, he said that he would strongly encourage other organisations to invest in solar and battery storage. He is also happy to recommend and endorse Jewel Renewables for our local expertise and smooth delivery.
Completing the installation just before peak sunlight months was seen as a bonus as Woking Squash Rackets Club are now benefiting from the Spring and Summer days with more light exposure and sunshine. Our proposal not only guaranteed this, but it also predicted that even during the Autumn and Winter months, the club will still generate a significant amount of energy to help power the Squash Club.
Through our partnership with Woking Squash Rackets Club, the club has transitioned into a greener, more cost-effective operation with significant cost savings, resilience gains and environmental credibility. With a quick return on investment and future upgrades on the horizon, the club has set a compelling example of a community-centred renewable investment and we are proud to have collaborated with them.
Do you want to work with Jewel Renewables for your next project? Fill out the contact form below or get a free, bespoke quote today!
Contact Us For Your Next Renewable Project Today!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Jewel Renewables
Jewel Renewables
- How Business Owners and Commercial Landlords Can Boost Property Value with Renewable Upgrades · 19 November 2025
- Maximising Your Home’s Energy Ecosystem: Integrating Solar, Batteries, and Heat Pumps · 10 November 2025
- Why Commercial EV Charging is Your Next Essential Investment for Employee Retention and Corporate Net Zero · 29 October 2025