The installation comprises 950 solar collectors across 712.5 square metres of the library’s roof space. It is expected to reduce the building’s CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes and generate 216 MWh of energy annually – the equivalent of powering and heating a community centre or swimming pool for a year.
Naked Energy claims that its solar heat and electricity Virtu product range is the world’s highest energy density solar technology, saving up to four times the amount of carbon as standard solar PV panels, therefore becoming a key asset in the decarbonisation of heat in sectors from manufacturing to hotels and leisure centres.
The Virtu product range converts the sun’s energy into heat and electricity from the same collector and is able to supply sanitary hot water and space heating for the British Library, benefitting staff and visitors alike.
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, consisting of over 170 million items, ranging from newspapers and maps to sound recordings and patents and is growing every day.
During the planning phase of the installation, Virtu solar technology secured planning permission on the Grade I-listed building, as its unique low-profile design does not disrupt the Library’s architecture and remains invisible from street level.
The business recently received investment from E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions and Barclays in the first close of its Series B capital raise, totalling £17 million.
“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” said Christophe Williams, Founder and CEO of Naked Energy. “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.”
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