Sundog Energy wins £1.3m solar system contract to fit Kings Cross Station roof

Mar 11 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

SOLAR power company Sundog Energy has won a £1.3m contract to provide a huge solar power system on the roof of King's Cross Station in London

The Cumbrian company faced tough competition to win the work which will be one of the biggest solar photo voltaic systems in the UK. The solar PV cells, that convert sunlight directly into electricity, are integrated into 1,392 glass laminate units which will form part of the new glass roofing structure over the platforms and concourses. The area of roof covered with the solar PV glass laminate is approximately 2,300sq m. The installation is expected to take 12 months.

Sundog managing director Martin Cotterell said: “Winning the King's Cross Station contract is a great development for Sundog that reflects our expertise and reputation within this highly specialised industry.

“This project is also a fantastic show-case for solar PV technology. How many millions of people use King's Cross each year, who cannot fail to see the iconic solar cells at work above their heads?”

“Network Rail has also made a canny investment. They will be among the first beneficiaries of the Government’s new feed-in tariff. This scheme will pay a premium rate for the electricity generated by solar PV systems for 25 years, producing a return of up to 8% on investment. Most importantly, they will be making a substantial reduction of their carbon footprint as each unit of electricity generated by the PV system will save over half a kg of carbon emissions.”

Penrith-based Sundog Energy will be providing the King's Cross PV system under contract to Kier Construction, who are the main contractors to Network Rail for parts of the station refurbishment programme.

The refurbishment, which started in 2008, will include a new western concourse, three times the size of the current area, and a new platform. The existing Grade 1 listed structure will be restored, including the original 1851 facade, the ticket hall and the main train shed roof, and there will be a new public square in front of the station.