British Library installs solar collectors on roof to cut carbon emissions by 55 tonnes a year

-Credit: (Image: Naked Energy)
-Credit: (Image: Naked Energy)


The UK’s largest solar heat project to date now sits atop the British Library. Armed with 950 ‘solar collectors’ on a massive 712.5 square metre stretch of roofing, this impressive new addition is set to slash the library's carbon emissions by 55 tonnes annually.

The system - distinct from solar panels - will generate 216 MWh of energy every year – enough to keep a swimming pool warm for 365 days.

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This setup plays a critical role in preserving national treasures like the Magna Carta and Shakespeare’s First Folio by maintaining the perfect temperature conditions inside the library.

The £1.5 million project was engineered by Naked Energy and funded by the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Patrick Dixon, the British Library’s director of estates and construction, said the organisation was “delighted” to have benefitted from Government funding.

The £1.5 million project was engineered by Naked Energy -Credit:Naked Energy
The £1.5 million project was engineered by Naked Energy -Credit:Naked Energy

“We have received two grants under the scheme, one of which provided the funds for our supply partners CBRE to work with Naked Energy to design and install this innovative technology on our Grade I Listed building in London,” he said.

“This project is part of the Library’s commitment to environmental action and we are pleased to have formally launched our new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy during Green Libraries Week.”

Christophe Williams, Naked Energy’s CEO and founder, said: “It’s an honour to partner with such an iconic British institution and be a part of their journey to meet their net zero goals.

“The urgent need to decarbonise heat has long been under-recognised in the discussions over the UK’s move toward net zero. 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.

“This project has been an immense undertaking and is an exciting step forward for the solar thermal industry in the UK.”