New Spitalfields Market installs London’s largest rooftop solar array

New Spitalfields Market in Walthamstow has activated London’s largest rooftop solar installation, a 1.4 megawatt-peak array covering the market’s roof. The 2,730-panel system, completed by contractor Vital Energi, is expected to produce 1.27 gigawatt-hours of electricity each year. The City of London Corporation, which operates the market, said the project will supply enough power for roughly 470 homes and avoid 225 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

The market, a key wholesale hub for fresh produce, runs 24 hours a day and requires substantial energy for refrigeration, lighting and infrastructure. The City of London Corporation said the solar array will reduce its dependence on the National Grid, freeing up capacity for other users. The project cost approximately £1 million and forms part of the corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which commits to reaching net zero across its operations by 2027.

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Energy resilience for a critical food hub

Mark Wheatley, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Markets Board, said the investment would help secure the market’s future. "New Spitalfields Market is a vital part of London’s fresh produce supply chain, serving businesses and communities across the capital every day," he said. "This investment helps ensure the market remains a modern, efficient and well-equipped facility, supporting traders and customers while strengthening its long-term future."

The market supplies produce to businesses across London and beyond. The City of London Corporation said the solar installation would improve operational resilience by generating power on site, reducing exposure to grid fluctuations. Each unit of electricity used on site is one that does not need to be drawn from the National Grid, the corporation added.

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Climate action with practical benefits

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, said the project demonstrated how climate action could deliver wider benefits. "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," he said. "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 is the largest rooftop solar array in London by capacity. The City of London Corporation said it was one of its most significant renewable energy investments to date. No further phases or expansions have been announced, but the corporation has not ruled out additional projects as part of its net-zero commitments.

What happens next

The solar array is now operational. The City of London Corporation has not set a date for a formal review of the project’s performance, but said it would monitor energy generation and carbon savings as part of its ongoing climate reporting. Residents or businesses seeking further details can contact the corporation’s sustainability team through its website.