World’s largest solar bridge opens at Blackfriars station
Blackfriars Bridge, part of Blackfriars station in London, has been fitted with 4,400 photovoltaic panels, making it the largest solar bridge in the world.
The array of 250Wp panels covers a total area of 6,000m2. Its maximum output is estimated at 1.1MWp and it is expected to generate 900,000kWh of electricity each year – more than half the amount required to power the station.
What's more, the solar panels are expected to reduce the station's CO2 emissions by around 511tonnes per year.
The installation of the panels was carried out by London-based firm Solarcentury.
Company ceo Frans van den Heuvel said: "Our work at Blackfriars demonstrates two key benefits of solar. First, it can be integrated into the architecture to create a stunning addition to London's skyline.
"Second, it can be integrated into the most complex of engineering projects; in this case being built above a construction site, over a rail track over a river.
"We are confident that future major infrastructure projects can and will benefit from solar."
