The largest solar bridge in the world

The new Blackfriars station in London will be covered in 4,400 solar panels

Work to construct the largest solar panel array in London reached half way today as the 2,200th solar panel was installed on the roof of Blackfriars station in central London.

Network Rail is rebuilding the station on top of Blackfriars rail bridge to provide more space for passengers and longer, more frequent trains. The new station roof above the Victorian bridge will be home to 4,400 solar panels, which will generate up to 50% of the station’s energy needs.

The solar panel array covers an area of 6,000 m², making Blackfriars the largest solar bridge in the world. The panels are expected to generate 900,000 kWh of electricity every year, saving over 500 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Over the past four years, Blackfriars station has been rebuilt on top of a Victorian rail bridge. The bridge was stripped to its foundations and reconstructed wider and stronger to house platforms, a 250 metre-long roof and the world’s largest bridge-based solar array. 

The work forms part of a wider upgrade of the Thameslink route, running from Bedford to Brighton through central London. First Capital Connect customers on this route will benefit from longer trains and more frequent services, with a metro-style train every 2.5 minutes through central London during peak times.