UK’s largest solar heat system installed on The British Library

Home to the Magna Carta and a collection of handwritten Beatles lyrics, the British Library is a treasure trove of historic artefacts – but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past.

The UK institution recently installed the country’s largest solar heat installation in a bid to keep bookworms cosy while slashing carbon emissions.

Spanning more than 712 square metres, the installation is made up of 950 solar collectors tucked away on the library’s roof. It is expected to reduce the London building’s CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes a year.

Simultaneously, it will generate 216 MWh of energy annually – enough to power and heat a community centre or swimming pool for a year.

How does solar heat technology work?

The installation uses high-density solar technology from UK-based renewable energy company Naked Solar. 

The hybrid solar collector combines solar photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal technology to convert the sun’s energy into both electricity and heat. 

It’s capable of saving up to four times the amount of carbon as regular solar panels, making it the ideal tech for decarbonising larger urban buildings like hotels and sports centres.

At the British Library, it will supply hot water and heating for staff and visitors – and will even help to protect the precious national collections, many of which need to be kept at a precise temperature and humidity level.

Special planning permission had to be gained for the solar installation on the Grade 1 listed building, and it cannot be seen from street level.

“We’re incredibly excited to be delivering the largest solar heat installation project in the UK for our client, the British Library, and supporting such an iconic British institution on their net zero journey,” says Jon Benford, managing director at CBRE Global Workplace Solutions, the library’s facilities management provider.

“Working towards net zero emissions in a Grade 1 listed English Heritage building comes with its own unique challenges, and we’re proud of the role this project will play in both preserving the past and protecting the future.”

Funded by the UK government decarbonisation scheme

The project was funded by the UK’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which aims to reduce emissions from public sector buildings by 75 per cent by 2037, compared with 2017.

Run by the government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the scheme supports buildings like schools and hospitals in cutting their emissions by transitioning to cleaner heating and air conditioning systems, installing solar panels and improving insulation and energy efficiency, among other measures.

The British Library has received two grants under the scheme, one of which was used for the solar heating installation.

It’s part of the library’s sustainability and climate change strategy, which has already seen it install heat pumps, boost recycling and tell climate stories through its exhibitions and events.

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“We hope that this project can serve as a catalyst to inspire others in the public sector to join the energy transition and move away from fossil fuels once and for all,” says founder and CEO of Naked Energy, Christophe Williams.