Solar panels

Solar hot water panels have been installed on the roof of County Hall as part of Bedfordshire County Council's commitment to protecting and enhancing a sustainable environment. This page explains the system and provides monthly information on the operation of the panels.

How it works

Heat from the sun warms the fluid circulating through the solar panels on the roof of County Hall. The heated fluid then passes through an insulated 2,000 litre water storage tank.

Hot water in the tank rises naturally towards the top where it is drawn off and supplied to an oil-fired hot water boiler. The boiler only inputs enough heat, if any is needed, to raise the solar heated water up to its required temperature.

This type of system means that all available solar energy is captured and utilised, regardless of the time of day or season. We estimate that this system will reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions from County Hall by over 3 tonnes per year.

Solar Meter

This meter shows the heat generated by the panels since June 2004. Each kilowatt/hour of energy produced by the panels saves 1.25 kilowatt hours of oil consumed in the building.