Solar panels – or another renewable energy sources – will be a mandatory requirement on all newly built residential or commercial developments in Guernsey from now on.
The Development & Planning Authority has decided to bring in the new rule to help the island meet the targets set out in the Electricity Strategy that was agreed in 2023.
That strategy includes a net zero target by 2050 with proposals that around 50% of our electricity could be provided through wind, while up to 43% would be imported, and the rest would come from the sun.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the DPA, said the new rules for developers will help the island achieve those targets.
“Making solar panels mandatory on new developments is good for our environment and is good for our energy security, all in line with the States-approved Electricity Strategy.
“It’s good that some developers already do this as standard, but making it mandatory means that we’re making the most of the opportunities that new developments pose. It’s also cheaper to install these during the build rather than fitting them somewhere down the line.”
Deputy Adrian Gabriel, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, backed the DPA, saying renewable energy should be ‘the norm’ going forward.
“In 2023, through the Electricity Strategy, the States made a clear long-term, strategic decision for Guernsey to pursue additional interconnection while also increasing the amount of energy generated locally through renewable sources. I welcome the DPA’s supportive decision to make solar panels or alternative renewables mandatory on new developments. Making this the norm will undoubtedly help Guernsey in achieving its renewable energy targets.”
When the States agreed Guernsey’s Electricity Strategy in 2023, E&I and the DPA were told to explore ways to further facilitate the installation of solar panel arrays to increase on-island electricity generation.
Policy GP9 within the Island Development Plan already encourages installing renewable energy technology, and from now, roof-mounted solar panels, or appropriate alternatives, will be required to meet this policy.
The DPA said measures such as non-roof mounted solar products, air source heat pumps and battery storage can be considered as alternatives to, or in addition to, roof-mounted solar panels.
Sites will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure suitable provision can be made.