Solar panel support still out of reach for islanders

Islanders hoping for government help to install solar panels will have to wait, after Jersey’s environment minister confirmed no new incentives or policy changes are currently on the table.

Deputy Hilary Jeune had asked whether ministers would support homeowners looking to adopt renewable energy following the release of a government map showing which properties are suitable for solar panels.

But Environment Minister Steve Luce said no updates were planned. The island’s Carbon Neutral Roadmap for 2022–25 does not include subsidies for solar installations, with its first phase focused instead on reducing emissions from fossil-fuel heating.

Luce noted that because Jersey’s electricity supply is already largely sourced from French nuclear and hydro power, solar panels would have only a limited impact on the island’s overall emissions — though they could still help households cut bills and reduce dependence on imported power.

Financial support could be explored in Phase 2 of the roadmap, scheduled for 2027–30, a decision that will fall to the next States Assembly. Work is also underway on a long-term energy strategy, due by late 2026, which will assess how solar power should feature in Jersey’s future mix.

He added that planning rules have already been eased to make renewable installations simpler. Most solar panels can now be installed without permission, except on listed buildings, in conservation areas or near the airport.

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