Northern Ireland Hospice has partnered with leading local engineering firm Dowds to install new solar panel systems at its two hospice inpatient sites, helping to reduce carbon emissions, generate significant cost savings and strengthen the charity’s long-term resilience.

Northern Ireland Hospice has partnered with leading local engineering firm Dowds to install new solar panel systems at its two hospice inpatient sites, helping to reduce carbon emissions, generate significant cost savings and strengthen the charity’s long-term resilience.

The renewable energy project has seen 110 solar panels installed at the Adults Hospice on Somerton Road, and a further 80 panels installed at NI Children’s Hospice at Horizon House. Work at Somerton Road was completed between November 2025 and March 2026, while the Horizon House installation ran from January to May 2026.

The investment forms part of the local palliative care charity’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, while ensuring that resources can be directed where they are needed most – supporting patients and families across Northern Ireland.

The new systems are expected to generate approximately 15% of the charity’s annual electricity demand and deliver projected savings of around £24,000 during the 2026/27 financial year. Based on current energy forecasts, the investment is expected to pay for itself within five years.

Pictured are Thomas Quinn, Estates Technical Team Lead at NI Hospice; Colm McAllister, Junior Contracts Manager at Dowds; Lorna Campbell, Client Relations at Dowds; kRichard Daly, Head of Estates at NI Hospice; and Andy Dealy, NI Hospice's Estates Operations Manager.

Richard Daly, Northern Ireland Hospice’s Head of Estates, said: “As a charity, we are always looking for ways to make our services more sustainable and resilient while ensuring we continue to provide the highest standard of care for local families. This investment in solar energy is a significant step forward. It will help reduce our operating costs, lower our carbon footprint and allow us to direct more resources towards the vital care and support our patients and families rely on every day.

“While the solar panels will not make us entirely self-sufficient in terms of electricity, they will provide around 15% of our energy needs across both sites, making a meaningful contribution to our sustainability goals and helping to protect us against future energy cost increases.”

Northern Ireland Hospice already sources 100% of its electricity from renewable energy providers. The solar installations will further enhance the charity’s environmental performance by generating clean electricity on-site.

The project also reflects Northern Ireland Hospice’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ambitions. By investing in renewable technologies and working alongside local partners such as Dowds, the charity is helping to build a more sustainable future while continuing to provide specialist care when it matters most.

Colm McAllister, Junior Contracts Manager at Dowds, said: “At Dowds, we are committed to doing the right thing for our people, our communities, our clients and our planet. By partnering with Hospice, we are actively enabling the charity to reduce its own carbon footprint through smarter design, efficient delivery and sustainable innovation, thereby minimising impact and maximising long-term value for future generations.

“Working alongside Northern Ireland Hospice has been about much more than delivering an engineering project. The Hospice plays an incredibly important role in our community, and we are proud to support its work through volunteering, fundraising and practical initiatives that can make a lasting difference. Seeing the positive impact this project will have for years to come makes it particularly rewarding for everyone involved.”

The partnership extends beyond the solar installation project. Dowds employees have also volunteered their time to support Northern Ireland Hospice, helping to transform the patient gardens at the Adult Hospice on Somerton Road, creating welcoming and therapeutic environments for patients, children and families. The company has also supported the charity through fundraising and charitable giving initiatives.

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