WEST HAM have unveiled a stunning multi-million pound upgrade to the London Stadium ahead of next season.Stadium bosses have got their green fingers out this summer by installing a new set of solar panels on the roof of their 60,000-capacity home ground.HandoutWest Ham’s London Stadium has invested in solar panels[/caption]HandoutThe new project will help power the ground for all major events including Premier League matches[/caption]HandoutThe project cost £4.35m to complete[/caption]HandoutIt is estimated it will produce energy equivalent to 100 flights from London to New York[/caption]The feature consists of some 6,500 square metres of solar panels fully integrated into the stadium’s roof, making it the largest investment of solar panels out of any UK ground.This project – the first to be delivered under the wider Mayor of London‘s £500million Green Finance Fund – cost a whopping £4.35m to implement.However, the long-term gains are set to massively outweigh the short-term costs.This is because the energy produced by the panels will be enough to power the London Stadium for any major events throughout the year. This will include West Ham matches, concerts and international athletics.The company behind the project, Ameresco, estimate the system will generate 850,000 kWh annually, equal to over 200 tonnes of carbon emissions or 100 transatlantic flights from London to New York. And the addition has arrived just in time for the sold-out Diamond League Novuna London Athletics Meet this weekend.CEO of UK Athletics, Jack Buckner, said: “We’re incredibly proud that the Novuna London Athletics Meet is not only the biggest one-day athletics event in the world, but now also one of the most sustainable, powered by the very stadium that continues to set theglobal standard for sporting excellence. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“The London Stadium is world-class in every sense, and these new solar panels show what can be achieved when innovation and legacy come together. “With a sold-out crowd this weekend, we can’t wait to see the world’s best athletes perform in an environment that leads the way both on and off the track.” With even more sustainable projects in the works for the stadium, it is hoped that by 2026 the stadium’s overall energy consumption from the national grid will drop from 12 million kWh (recorded in 2022) to 8.5 million kWh annually.London Stadium CEO, Graham Gilmore, added: “Sustainability is now front and centre for artists, athletes, and promoters alike—and as a world-class venue, we’re proud to meet that expectation.“With 60,000 fans attending the Novuna London Athletics Meet thisweekend, it’s incredibly exciting to be powering the event with energy generated right here on site. “We’re committed to being part of the climate solution.”West Ham‘s opening game of the Premier League season will see them travel away to Sunderland, before hosting Chelsea the following week.