The Walkie Talkie inflamed headlines when the sun’s reflection off its curved glass windows apparently melted part of a car last year.

Now one of the newest additions to the London skyline is using its optimum spot in the sun to good use – with solar panels on its rooftop.

The skyscraper on Fenchurch Street had a 250-panel, 50 kWp solar PV system fitted last year. It is positioned above the building’s roof garden which opened to the public this week.

Installers say it was a tricky feat putting the panels on a glass roof 160 metres above street level and three floors above the inverter.

With restricted space on the rooftop, materials could only come on to the site when they were needed, with one delivery via crane made as the previously delivered material was being used.

James Sutton project manager for solar installers EvoEnergy called it “a unique and challenging project” from the design stage right through to the building phase.

He said: “We knew that delivering a rail-less system at that height would be a challenge… The finished solar system, sitting high above the building’s stunning Sky Garden, looks fantastic. It’s been a job well done by the whole team from start to finish.”

Designed by award-winning architect Rafael Vinoly, the Walkie Talkie is being developed by Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group.