The British Library is installing solar panels that could reduce its carbon emissions by over 55 tonnes annually with the largest solar heat installation in the UK.

The British Library and CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) commissioned Naked Energy to deliver the project which comprises of 950 solar collectors across 712.5 m2 of roof space. It is expected to generate 216MWh of energy annually.

The solar collectors will also be used to help to maintain the precise temperature and humidity conditions needed to preserve the national collection cared for by the British Library.

Patrick Dixon, director of estates and construction at the British Library, said, “The British Library is delighted to have benefitted from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. 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.”

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