In a recent episode of the What If… podcast by Channel 103, SunWorks Managing Director Mark Brandon sat down with Ben Jordan to explore one big question: What if… Islanders could reshape Jersey’s energy future?
From rooftop solar to energy independence, the conversation highlights how the Island could move towards a more self-reliant, low-carbon future and the role everyday homeowners can play.
Mark shared the journey behind SunWorks, which began in 2013 with a simple idea: bring a renewable energy service to Jersey that didn’t yet exist.
Today, the company has grown into one of the Island’s leading energy specialists, with hundreds of installations and a broader focus beyond solar alone including roofing & property insulation.
Why more Islanders are going solar
A key theme in the discussion was the shift in how people think about energy, from passive consumers to active participants.
“One of the main reasons people go to go solar is they want to be self-reliant.” Mark explains that solar doesn’t just reduce bills, it changes behaviour. Homeowners become “prosumers,” generating and managing their own energy while contributing back to the grid. “It will turn you into what’s called a prosumer, you’re both a producer and a consumer of energy.”
With typical payback periods now under 10 years in Jersey, solar is increasingly seen as a practical, long-term investment.
Busting common solar myths
The podcast also tackled some of the most common misconceptions about solar in Jersey, from doubts about sunlight levels to confusion around selling energy back to the grid.
“People often think that Jersey electricity won’t accept your power, but they certainly will.” Mark emphasised that modern systems are highly predictable, with accurate forecasts of energy generation and savings available before installation.
Rooftop vs large-scale energy
While large-scale solar farms and offshore wind projects are part of Jersey’s future, Mark was clear that rooftop solar has a vital role to play, “The two can work in tandem. It’s not either or.”
From individual homes to commercial buildings, distributed energy generation could significantly strengthen the Island’s resilience.
A bigger question: energy sovereignty
Looking ahead, the conversation turned to a broader issue, how much control Jersey should have over its own energy.
Despite currently importing the vast majority of electricity from France, Mark believes the next phase should focus on local generation and long-term independence. “The theme of the next 20 years or so, should be about energy sovereignty.”
The home of the future
So, what does a low-carbon Jersey home look like? Mark believes, it’s an integrated system; solar panels, battery storage, electric vehicles and smart controls, all working together.
“The energy customers of the future are partly self-reliant, up to 50% of their power comes from their own resources.”
This episode offers a thought-provoking look at Jersey’s energy landscape, from policy and infrastructure to the everyday choices that could shape the Island’s future.
Listen to the full podcast below.
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