SunWorks and Benest Estates have joined forces to help Jersey Rugby Football Club reduce its energy costs and invest more into the club’s future, after JRFC was named the winner of the 2026 SunWorks Solar Giveaway. The club has now had a substantial solar installation completed at its facilities, following a two-day installation by the SunWorks team on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September.

Speaking about the install, Mark Brandon, Managing Director at SunWorks, expressed, “It’s great to see this year’s giveaway come to life, with almost twice the number of solar panels as last year’s system thanks to the support of our sponsor. This initiative showcases local social enterprises and their volunteers while demonstrating the value of renewable energy in our community. I’m confident the installation will benefit Jersey Rugby for years to come.”

The 2026 Solar Giveaway, sponsored by Benest Estates, offered one Jersey charity, non-profit or community organisation the chance to win a solar installation worth up to £30,000. Following a strong response to the competition, four finalists were put forward to a public vote, with more than 1,200 votes cast.

André Benest, Founder and Director of Benest Estates, said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to support this year’s Solar Giveaway and help Jersey Rugby invest in its future. The club plays such an important role in the local community, and we hope this installation will help reduce its energy costs and allow more of its resources to go towards developing the club and supporting players of all ages.”

Jersey Rugby Football Club came out on top, securing a solar installation designed to help reduce the club’s future energy costs and enable it to reinvest more into the development of the club and the wider rugby community.

The installation was a real team effort, with the SunWorks crew getting started on Thursday before members of the wider team gave up some of their own time on Friday to help get the job over the line and celebrate with JRFC and Benest Estates.

Jersey RFC chair Dan McAlister said: “We’re thrilled by the news about winning the Solar Giveaway. It’s a ‘win-win’ for the club: we will be able to reduce our energy costs which will allow for more investment in all levels of the game across the community, from the youngest mini rugby players to our walking rugby squad; and at the same time we can demonstrate our commitment to the environment. JRFC would like to thank both SunWorks and Benest Estates, as well as all those who voted for us ahead of some very worthy competition.”

SunWorks and Benest Estates would also like to thank everyone who entered, and especially the other three finalists, Sanctuary Trust, Les Amis and Maison des Landes, for taking part in this year’s competition.

SunWorks would also like to thank Smart Scaffolding for providing their support to help complete the installation at JRFC. The 2026 Solar Giveaway is the third year of the initiative, which aims to help local organisations reduce their energy costs while supporting Jersey’s transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy.