Work begins on largest array of solar panels in the island
GUERNSEY’S largest array of solar panels is now being installed.
Guernsey Electricity is working with the Little Green Energy Company to put up hundreds of panels on the roof of a building on Northside, Vale.
The power generated by the panels, which will be the equivalent energy needed to run around 50 electric vehicles annually, will feed back into the grid.
Guernsey Electricity chief executive Alan Bates said the installation was going well.
‘The weather has been fantastic this week and we’re delighted with the progress being made installing what will be the Channel Islands’ largest solar array,’ he said.
‘It’s our first step into producing renewable energy locally, and we’re already speaking to other businesses who want to follow in our footsteps.’
Over its life in service, the array is set to produce electricity at a cost that is comparable with today’s cost of production, GE has said.
The electricity production cost will remain fixed over its 20 to 25 years in service and will not be affected by other markets.
The solar array will also help Guernsey’s energy security by diversifying the island’s energy mix, being in addition to the existing on-island generation and importation of low-carbon electricity from France.
Planning permission for the solar array was given in November 2017.
It is hoped installation will be completed by the end of the month.
