21 Aug 2026
Hidden high above the shops at The Maltings is something many visitors never realise exists – 265 solar panels, peppered across the roof, quietly generating renewable energy every single day.
Installed two years ago, the panels produce clean electricity that powers The Maltings’ entire car park, including its 10 electric vehicle charging points.
Last week, St Albans Times editor Matt Adams joined St Albans district councillor Sean Hughes and The Maltings centre manager Richard Marett for a behind-the-scenes tour of the roof to see the installation first-hand while also enjoying unique views across the city centre.
For Cllr Hughes, the scale of the project came as a surprise.
“I had no idea there were these panels on the roof of The Maltings or the amount of solar energy being used to charge the cars and light the car park.
“It’s great to know you can park at The Maltings and charge your car powered by the sun. We need more projects like this.”
The installation forms part of a wider sustainability programme at The Maltings, which has seen significant investment in reducing the centre’s environmental impact while improving facilities for visitors.
Alongside the solar array, the centre has introduced PIR-controlled LED lighting across service areas, maintains a zero-to-landfill waste policy and has increased recycling rates year-on-year.
The Maltings is also working towards a Net Zero Roadmap and progressing an application to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ensuring future carbon reduction targets are independently measured and robust.
Centre manager Richard Marrett said: “When people think about sustainability, they often imagine huge infrastructure projects, but many don’t realise that one is already sitting above their heads here in St Albans.
“The solar panels have now been generating renewable energy for two years, helping power our entire car park, EV charging facilities and reducing the centre’s overall carbon footprint.
“We’re proud to be investing in practical projects that benefit both our visitors and our occupiers, while supporting the city’s journey towards a more sustainable future.”
Cllr Hughes, who drives a plug-in hybrid, says expanding EV infrastructure remains a key priority for the district.
“We’re working on a number of projects across the district to increase charging provision, and it’s great to see private companies like The Maltings leading the way.”
He also revealed discussions are beginning with The Maltings around the potential for an overnight residents’ parking and charging scheme.
Visitors can find The Maltings’ EV charging bays on Level -2 of the multi-storey car park.
The site offers 10 22kW Type 2 chargers, suitable for most electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
