Guernsey could outshine Jersey in solar stakes

Monday 13 November 2017

Jersey will be stripped of the title of having the largest solar energy installation in the Channel Islands after a plan to put more than 300 panels on the roof of Guernsey’s power station got the go-ahead.

St Clement-based Homefield Growers, who have supplied the island with fresh vegetables for over 40 years, is currently home to 144 solar panels. They put out a whopping 39,000 units (kw/h) of electricity per year - the equivalent of providing hot water for nearly 20 homes.

But Guernsey Electricity’s planning application to add a solar array of up to 330 panels on the power station roof in the New Year will steal Jersey’s position in the top spot. According to Alan Bates, Guernsey Electricity’s Chief Executive Officer, the panels could produce the energy necessary to run around 50 electric vehicles a year. In fact, the company have already bought two electric cars and two electric vans in anticipation following successful trials with the up-and-coming tech.

“This scheme benefits customers by feeding solar energy into the electricity system, helping diversify our mix of energy sources and complementing low-carbon electricity importation from France,” Mr Bates commented.

Mark Brandon from Sun Works - the company behind the installation at Homefield Growers - praised the initiative for “putting the Channel Islands on the map” for renewables, but expressed concern that Jersey might fall behind.

Pictured: Sun Works' Mark Brandon is passionate about promoting renewable energy in the Channel Islands. He'll soon be finishing an installation in Sark.

Although noting that Jersey Electricity had championed a similar initiative - 76 panels on its headquarters - Mr Brandon described this as “more of a token amount.”

“The amount of panels that they’re [Guernsey Electricity] going for really represents a kind of a commitment because it’s going to be filling that roof. It’s going to be the largest solar installation in the Channel Islands, which will double the current one… Solar’s here to stay, and if you’ve got an empty roof space and you’re not moving in a while, it makes a lot of sense,” he told Express.

The news comes following the States’ decision to delay voting on a proposition by Deputy Carolyn Labey that aimed to put green thinking on the government agenda and stamp out a controversial charge by Jersey Electricity that could have detrimental effects on the renewable energy industry.

Pictured: Deputy Carolyn Labey had hoped that her proposition would drive forward green thinking within the States.

Mr Brandon, who supported Deputy Labey’s proposition, believes the appetite is right across the Channel Islands to fully embrace clean energy - 81% of people in Guernsey supported the introduction of solar energy in a survey, while Jersey people told the ‘Shaping Our Future Survey’ that the island’s worst performance areas were “managing the threats posed by climate change” and using “secure, affordable and sustainable energy.”

But, ultimately, it all comes down to government support.

“There’s really good technology out there - it would be a shame for it to get forgotten about. It’s part of a bigger picture of technology and infrastructure, and the way Jersey wants to do business,” he added.