London market powers up with solar installation

The New Spitalfields Market, one of the UK’s most important wholesale food markets, is home to what claims to be the largest rooftop solar installation in London, following the completion of a major renewable energy project.

The installation by Vital Energi comprises 2,730 solar panels, creating a 1.4 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar array, the largest rooftop solar installation in London. The system is expected to generate around 1.27 gigawatt-hours of electricity each year, enough to power approximately 470 homes.

Boosting long-term operational resilience

Managed by the City of London Corporation, the market in Walthamstow supplies fresh produce to businesses across London and beyond.

Operating overnight and around the clock, the market has significant energy requirements to support refrigeration, lighting, and essential infrastructure. By generating more of its electricity on site, the market will reduce its reliance on grid power while improving its long-term operational resilience.

“As the UK experiences periods of extreme heat and rising electricity demand for cooling, this project demonstrates the value of investing in local renewable energy generation”

The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 225 tonnes each year, equivalent to the electricity used by around 50 homes annually. 

“Projects like this show how practical climate action can deliver benefits far beyond carbon reduction and are yet another example of the City Corporation delivering on its Climate Action Strategy,” said , Chris Hayward, policy chairman at the City of London Corporation.

“As the UK experiences periods of extreme heat and rising electricity demand for cooling, this project demonstrates the value of investing in local renewable energy generation.”