New Spitalfields completes major solar project

New Spitalfields Market has completed what is claimed to be London’s largest rooftop solar installation, adding 2,730 panels to one of the capital’s most energy-intensive commercial facilities.

The 1.4MWp solar array has been installed by Vital Energi at the wholesale food market in Walthamstow, which is managed by the City of London Corporation. The approximately £1 million project is expected to generate around 1.27GWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the electricity required to power approximately 470 homes.

For New Spitalfields Market, however, the significance of the installation lies in its ability to generate electricity directly at a site with substantial and continuous power requirements.

The market operates overnight and around the clock, with refrigeration, lighting and other essential infrastructure contributing to its energy consumption. On-site generation will reduce the amount of electricity it needs to draw from the grid while improving the facility's operational resilience.

The City Corporation estimates the installation will reduce carbon emissions by around 225 tonnes annually.

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, said: “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.

“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 installation forms part of the City Corporation's Climate Action Strategy, which includes a target to achieve net zero across its own operations by 2027.

It also provides an example of how large areas of industrial and commercial roofspace can be used to generate power at the point where it is consumed. That is particularly relevant for warehouse, logistics and other energy-intensive commercial buildings, where large roof areas can provide substantial capacity for photovoltaic installations without requiring additional land.

The City Corporation said every unit of electricity generated and consumed at New Spitalfields reduces the market's requirement from the National Grid, helping to release capacity elsewhere.

New Spitalfields is an important component of London's food supply infrastructure, supplying fresh produce to businesses across the capital and beyond. Mark Wheatley, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Markets Board, said: “New Spitalfields Market is a vital part of London's fresh produce supply chain, serving businesses and communities across the capital every day.

“This investment helps ensure the market remains a modern, efficient and well-equipped facility, supporting traders and customers while strengthening its long-term future.”