SOLAR energy will play a significantly larger role in meeting the Island’s energy demands if ambitions announced by 鶹 Electricity are realised.
The company wants to see 5,000 Island homes powered by solar energy by 2030, which would increase its contribution to 6.5% of the total supply from less than 0.5% at present.
However, it acknowledges that it remained a more expensive energy source than power imported from France, which it said would remain the dominant part of the Island’s energy strategy.
JE say solar energy could be generated from its ground-mounted solar sites – which are larger scale and divert electricity back to the grid for all customers to use – its partnerships with businesses with rooftop solar installed on commercial premises, or solar energy generated by individuals on their own roofs which JE will begin to offer later this year. The Island’s first ground-mounted community-scale installation is due to start generating later this year in St Clement, while JE say they welcome any expressions of interest in securing further sites.
Chief operating officer Mark Preece said: “Solar energy makes sense for 鶹. We have sunshine in abundance, so it should form a growing part of our energy strategy alongside the low-carbon electricity we import from France. We are confident that we have great traction with several ground-mount solar sites either starting construction or through the initial stages of planning and a strong portfolio of commercial rooftop partnerships. We are also finalising our domestic solar offer, which we’re excited to launch later this year.”
Mr Preece described the increasing use of solar power as “a logical step” and said he viewed the Solar 5,000 project as a collective ambition for the Island.
“It is something we can all share in and be proud of as we reinforce our Island’s energy sovereignty and bolster our locally generated renewable capabilities, both as a company and individuals,” he added.
