Solar panels planned for public buildings under new Jersey Electricity deal

Solar panels could soon appear on the roofs of schools, car parks and depot buildings across the island after a new agreement between Jersey Electricity and the government.

The partnership sets out an ambitious plan to install rooftop solar systems on a range of public properties.

Jersey Electricity has been working with Jersey Property Holdings to identify potential locations, mapping buildings that may be suitable for solar installations. From this work, a shortlist of sites will be created before each is assessed in detail, including structural checks to confirm that roofs can support the panels.

Under the arrangement, Jersey Electricity will lease roof space from the government. The company will then be responsible for designing, installing and maintaining the solar arrays.

Electricity generated by the panels will feed directly into the island’s power grid, supplying renewable energy to homes and businesses.

The first location could be confirmed later this year, with work potentially beginning soon afterwards. A longer-term programme for further installations will be agreed in the future.

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan described the agreement as an important step for renewable energy on the island.

He said the government has a responsibility to lead on sustainability and ensure that energy produced on public buildings benefits the wider community.

Chris Ambler, chief executive of Jersey Electricity, said the project responds to growing demand from customers for locally generated renewable power.

He added that rooftop solar would play an important role in helping the island reach its sustainability targets and support the company’s “Solar 5000” ambition — a plan to generate enough solar energy locally to power 5,000 homes by 2030.

The announcement comes during a week of renewed debate about Jersey’s environmental policies.

The Climate Council recently warned that the island is not on course to meet its 2030 carbon reduction targets, saying progress is being held back by inconsistent policy decisions.

At the same time, States members are due to discuss a proposal from Deputy Montfort Tadier that would ban ground-mounted solar farms on agricultural land. The proposal follows a petition signed by more than 800 people opposing such developments.

Tadier argues that farmland should remain available for agriculture. His proposal also calls on the government to prioritise installing solar panels on suitable States-owned buildings.

The States Assembly is scheduled to debate the proposal on 24 March.