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Client
Sector
Technology
System Size
Est. Annual Output
Est. Annual Savings
No. of solar panels
Est. Annual Carbon Savings
Client
As a landmark venue for sport and community events – and home to West Ham United – London Stadium has been working with Ameresco to strengthen its long-term sustainability programme with the installation of a major rooftop solar PV system.
Our client Ameresco appointed both Polysolar and SolarSense to support the project with specialist design input, installation execution and commissioning assistance – ensuring compliance, system performance and successful delivery within this high-profile live venue environment.
The London Stadium solar PV system forms a central part of the venue’s wider energy reduction strategy, aimed at cutting operational costs, reducing carbon emissions and lowering dependence on electricity bought from the national grid.
Alongside the new ultra lightweight solar PV system, the Stadium has implemented a series of energy-efficiency upgrades, including LED lighting, enhanced chiller and air-handling systems, kiosk energy-saving measures and an internal campaign encouraging staff to reduce consumption.
Collectively, these measures are estimated to reduce the Stadium’s energy use by 1.9 million kWh, with the rooftop solar system delivering a further 0.8 million kWh reduction. Between 2022 and 2026, the Stadium is on track to lower annual grid demand from 11.5 million kWh to 8.5 million kWh – a total projected saving of 3 million kWh.
The solar PV system will generate approximately 850,000 kWh of clean electricity each year – equivalent to the energy required to power all major annual events at the venue, including 20 Premier League fixtures, four concerts, two MLB games and an international athletics meet.
This level of on-site energy generation will deliver financial savings in the region of £212,000 per year, significantly reducing long-term operational energy costs. The system will also prevent approximately 176 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, comparable to the emissions from around 100 flights between London and New York.
Clean Energy Project
London Stadium’s cable-supported membrane roof presented a uniquely challenging environment for solar deployment. Strict weight limitations, elevated wind exposure and the need to maintain uninterrupted access routes meant that conventional framed PV systems were not viable. Ameresco identified the need for a bespoke engineering solution to achieve high-generation output without compromising the structural integrity or day-to-day operation of the venue.
To meet these requirements, the project utilised an ultra-lightweight solar PV system bonded directly to the roof surface. This frameless design removed the need for mounting structures or penetrations, kept additional load to an absolute minimum and enabled the array to follow the curvature of the roof. This approach ensured compatibility with London Stadium’s architectural and engineering constraints while maximising usable coverage across the available surface area of the iconic curved roof.
System performance, safety and reliability were further enhanced through the integration of SolarEdge power optimisers. By allowing each solar PV module to operate independently at its optimal output, the system mitigates the effects of the site’s complex roof geometry and any localised shading, ensuring consistent, high-yield generation across the full array. Module-level monitoring also provides detailed visibility of system performance, enabling faster and more accurate diagnostics.
This advanced safety architecture also delivers module-level shutdown and superior DC isolation, significantly reducing exposure to high-voltage DC and enabling rapid emergency power-off. This greatly improves on-site safety for facilities teams, maintenance contractors and first responders, while supporting efficient and precise fault identification when required.
A total of 3,369 lightweight, flexible solar PV modules were installed and fully integrated into the Stadium’s electrical distribution network. Ameresco says the system now delivers substantial clean on-site electricity to support major events throughout the year, playing a key role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering operating costs and positioning London Stadium as one of the most sustainable large-scale event venues in the world.
Services Delivered
Technical Renewable Energy Consultancy – supporting Ameresco as main contractor in reviewing installation methodology, lightweight PV suitability, roof interface requirements and performance strategy for a complex tensile-roof environment.
Design Coordination & Compliance Support – supporting detailed design development, UK compliance considerations, SolarEdge integration and alignment with stadium operational and safety requirements.
Installation & Construction Management – principal delivery partner to Ameresco, responsible for end-to-end onsite execution, including construction sequencing, health & safety compliance, RAMS management, QA/QC procedures and scheduling to protect live stadium operations.
Commissioning Assistance & Handover – supporting system commissioning activities and operational readiness, ensuring smooth integration into the stadium’s electrical systems and monitoring platforms.
Performance Optimisation & System Monitoring – module-level optimisation via SolarEdge technology, enabling enhanced energy yield, advanced diagnostics and long-term system performance visibility.
Results
Enhanced Energy Resilience – The London Stadium solar PV system generates approximately 850,000 kWh of clean electricity each year, reducing reliance on the grid and supporting more sustainable stadium operations.
Carbon Reduction – Delivering an estimated 176 tonnes of carbon savings annually, the system directly advances London Stadium’s long-term net-zero strategy and wider sustainability commitments.
Operational Savings – On-site renewable generation contributes to lower operating costs and provides long-term protection against volatile energy prices, improving financial resilience for venue operations.
Performance Optimisation – The use of ultra-lightweight solar PV modules and SolarEdge power optimisers ensures maximum energy yield across a complex roof structure, enabling the Stadium to benefit from advanced performance monitoring and enhanced system safety.
Sustainable Venue Leadership – On-site solar energy now supports major events, matches and concerts, positioning London Stadium among the most sustainable live event venues in the world.
SolarSense is an employee-owned Certified B Corp, committed to the highest standards of quality and environmental performance, backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation. We consult, design, install, monitor and maintain award-winning renewable energy projects to deliver maximum financial and carbon savings for leading brands in England and Wales.
Are you interested in finding out how much your business could save with renewable energy? Request your free savings assessment and get a tailored breakdown of your potential energy cost reduction, carbon savings, and return on investment.
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