ZLC Energy wins European Solar Prize 2026 in Lugano, Switzerland
LUGANO, SWITZERLAND – 30 October 2026
ZLC Energy has won the European Solar Prize 2026 in the category ‘Owners or Operators of Renewable Energy Installations’ for its pioneering solar-plus-storage project with Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.
The award was presented at the European & Swiss Solar Prize ceremony in Lugano, Switzerland, on Friday 30 October. The event brought together over 250 renewable energy leaders, researchers, architects and project owners from across Europe.
EUROSOLAR, the European Association for Renewable Energy, has presented the prize since 1994. It recognises outstanding achievements that advance the adoption and expansion of renewable energy across Europe.
ZLC Energy received the award for its multi-phase work with Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital NHS Trust (RJAH). The project combines rooftop solar, solar carports and battery energy storage to create what has been described as the UK’s most comprehensive hospital solar-plus-storage system. The installation is set to reduce electricity costs by approximately £750,000 per year while cutting the hospital’s dependence on the local rural electricity grid by 75%.
The international jury, comprising experts from the renewable energy, academic and architectural sectors, recognised the project for combining climate action with economic benefits while meeting the operational requirements of a critical public service. The jury included representatives from Sapienza Università di Roma, HHS Planer + Architekten AG, and the Department of Environment Constructions and Design at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI).
The project was delivered through collaboration between a number of leading industry specialists, including Solis Europe, SolisStorage Europe, SolarEdge Technologies, Trinasolar, Bluetop Solar Parking ApS, Juggle/PAD, Tillott Renewable Contracting and CCL Components Ltd.
Mark Smith, Director of ZLC Energy, speaking from Lugano, said: “To see this project recognised with a European Solar Prize is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. It demonstrates how solar generation, battery storage and smart energy management can help large estates reduce costs, strengthen energy resilience and accelerate decarbonisation. We hope it provides a practical blueprint for others to follow.”
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For further information and interviews please contact:
Mark Smith CEng CEnv mCIWEM, Director, ZLC Energy Ltd.
M: 07768 454840 | T: 01726 390390 | W: www.zlcenergy.co.uk
About ZLC Energy
Founded in 2012 and based in Cornwall ZLC Energy is a multi-technology renewable energy solutions provider for commercial and public sector clients across the Southwest and UK. The company designs and delivers solar PV, solar carports, battery storage, heat pumps and combined heat and power (CHP), with a focus on integrated systems that cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and improve overall energy resilience.
