MORE than 100 solar panels on the roof of a York leisure centre have not been used for two years because they are "too efficient", the city council says.

The 140 solar panels were installed on the roof of the former Oaklands leisure centre when it was refurbished and reopened as Energise in 2009, but the panels were turned off for good three years ago, it has emerged.

The £6.5 million project to revamp the centre included a number of energy saving installations, including a natural wood roof, the solar panels and biofuel boilers designed and installed to heat the swimming pool.

But now the city council has confirmed it had to turn the solar panels off for good in 2011, because they were causing problems by producing excess heat.

Ian Asher, head of commissioning design at City of York Council, said: “This innovative and effective site features a range of highly successful energy efficiency measures notably bio fuel boilers, and water recycling for toilets.

"Working in conjunction with other elements of the heating design, the 140 solar thermal panels caused serious operational problems which meant they had to be eventually turned off. A review of the technical options is underway and a report will be made to the York High Sports Centre Management Committee which currently runs the facility.”

Original council papers published about the construction of the pool in October 2007 said the renewable energy technology - solar panels and biomass boilers - would cost around £170,000 but would be paid for by revenue savings and lower heating bills at the centre.