Solar panels to power central London rail station

The installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of Blackfriars railway station over the Thames river in central London has started.

The railway station will have more than 4,400 solar panels spanning about 6,000m² on the roof of the station.

Upon completion, the solar panels will generate about 900,000kWh of electricity a year, providing 50% of the station's energy and reducing CO₂ emissions by an estimated 511tpa.

The eco-friendly project is part of the wider £5.5bn Thameslink project, and will also include the installation of rain harvesting systems and sun pipes for natural lighting.

The Department for Transport's safety and environment fund is funding the £7.3m solar panels project, which is expected to be completed by next year.