Powering Up North London’s Largest Solar Array
Edmonton EcoPark in Enfield is home not only to brand-new recycling and reuse facilities, but also the largest solar array in north London. The Edmonton Array spans an area equivalent to a football field and has recently been switched on as part of the North London Heat and Power Project at the site.
The 2,235-panel photovoltaic array has already generated 125,709 kWh since being switched on three months ago – that’s enough to power Buckingham Palace for a day, saving the equivalent of £31,825* in energy costs. The electricity is currently being used to test and commission the new, state-of-the-art recycling infrastructure at EcoPark South, constructed by Taylor Woodrow on behalf of North London Waste Authority (NLWA), the public body responsible for delivering the North London Heat and Power Project.
Once construction is fully completed, the electricity generated by the solar array will be used in EcoPark House, a new education and visitor centre at the site. The Edmonton Array, coupled with ground-source heat pumps, will allow EcoPark House to be completely off-grid. The array contributes to the building’s BREEAM credentials – currently on track for ‘Very Good’.
NLWA Chair, Cllr Clyde Loakes, said: “This is a brilliant example of public investment in renewable technologies to reduce reliance on the national grid whilst saving carbon dioxide emissions and ensuring the cost-effective use of public resources.
“Moreover, the Edmonton Array aligns with the Mayor of London’s targets** for greater solar energy production within London. It makes a community facility a teaching tool in and of itself, as it will inform people about the importance of using sustainable and renewable principles in design.”
This vital investment in renewable technologies at the site shows what can be achieved when sustainability and energy efficiency are made a priority. The technology to take EcoPark House fully off-grid is expected to pay for itself within 5 years, due to the forecasted energy costs savings.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
* As of April 2024, the average price per kilowatt hour of electricity on a standard variable tariff is capped at 24.5 pence.
** Mayor of London’s Solar Action Plan: https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-and-strategies/environment-and-climate-change/environment-publications/solar-action-plan
Solar panel video: https://youtu.be/gUcppkFviRg