Net-zero retrofit: 810 solar panels power EV chargers at Cobham

Welcome to Net Zero News, where we bring you the latest developments driving the UK’s transition to a net-zero future. Today we report on a major sustainability milestone on one of Britain’s busiest motorways that highlights the role of transport infrastructure in cutting carbon emissions.

Net Zero News can reveal that Extra Motorway Service Areas (MSA) has completed the installation of 810 solar photovoltaic panels at its Cobham Services site on the M25. The project went live in early October 2025, adding to a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets at motorway rest stops. Cobham Services, operated by Extra MSA, now hosts a rooftop array expected to generate up to 305,159 kWh of clean electricity annually.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, the Cobham solar installation is designed to offset approximately 90 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. The panels cover 1,500 square metres of rooftop space and incorporate bifacial solar cells to capture reflected light from the service area’s canopies. Net Zero News understands this forms part of Extra MSA’s commitment to align with the UK’s sixth Carbon Budget, which mandates a 78 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

The importance of this project extends beyond the immediate site. By harnessing rooftop solar on high-traffic transport nodes, Extra MSA contributes to a decentralised energy network that eases pressure on the national grid during peak demand. The clean power generated at Cobham will supply onsite operational loads, such as electric vehicle charging points and hospitality units, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-derived electricity and cutting operational costs.

Funding for the 810-panel installation stems from a combination of private capital investment and an Innovate UK grant aimed at demonstrating smart energy integration at transport hubs. Extra MSA’s parent company allocated £350,000 to cover design, procurement and installation, while Innovate UK provided £75,000 to support real-time energy monitoring and predictive maintenance technologies. Key partners included solar engineering specialist HelioLogic and the local district council, which facilitated planning approval under Permitted Development Rights for low-carbon energy systems.

Net Zero News understands this solar rollout at Cobham taps into a broader policy context defined by the UK government’s Energy White Paper and support for onsite renewables via the Smart Export Guarantee. This project also aligns with Surrey County Council’s Climate Change Strategy, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 through renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency measures across public and private sectors.

The industry impact of the Cobham solar array is twofold: it showcases the viability of integrating renewables into existing transport facilities and encourages other motorway service operators to consider similar installations. Local communities stand to benefit from cleaner air in the wider area, as reduced grid demand helps marginally lower regional grid emissions. Furthermore, the deployment has created short-term installation roles and fostered long-term partnerships between infrastructure operators and clean energy providers.

Looking ahead, Extra MSA plans to monitor system performance over the winter months and explore battery energy storage options in 2026 to enhance self-consumption rates. Net Zero News understands that a feasibility study for adding solar arrays at other M25 service sites is already underway, with potential rollouts at additional locations in 2027 pending final investment approval.

Discover more on how transport hubs are embracing renewable energy in our recent coverage of roadside solar trials on the A1 (https://news.net-zeroclub.co.uk/renewable-energy-investments) and read how local councils are driving green infrastructure investment (https://news.net-zeroclub.co.uk/transport-decarbonisation). Don’t miss the upcoming Net Zero Club Annual Summit (https://www.net-zeroclub.co.uk/events) for insights into cutting-edge decarbonisation strategies. For more about our community, visit the Net Zero Club homepage (https://www.net-zeroclub.co.uk).

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