SunWorks have partnered with Jersey Electricity (JE) and Woodside Farm to deliver the Channel Islands’ largest solar PV system in Q1 2020. The 728 solar panel (230kWp) array will be located on one of many agricultural warehouses at Woodside Farm in Trinity, Jersey.

Not only is this set to be the largest installation to date in the Channel Islands its financial concept is quite ground-breaking. There have been many cases across the UK of deals involving renting land for solar panels when fed directly into the electricity grid under a power purchase agreement (PPA), but not with rooftops. Rooftop lease schemes in the UK have always been ‘behind the meter’ meaning they offset the purchase of electricity rather than feed electricity directly to the grid. JE are beginning a journey to bring more renewable sources of energy onto the local grid and in this case are paying for and owning the solar assets. This means the rooftop/business owners don’t have to provide any upfront capital or worry about maintenance into the future.

Woodside Farm is a busy place and grows a lot of produce for the island’s residents as well as for export.  Solar can provide a new source of income by utilising otherwise unused roof space and can offset the farms energy costs. Woodside Farm was selected for the following key reasons;

  • Forward thinking businesses owner looking to support their business through sustainable energy
  • Structurally sound warehouse with suitable Trapezoidal Roof Sheet – built around 5 years ago
  • Good onsite electrical infrastructure, being in close proximity to the JE 11kvA substation for connection
  • South oriented roof for high yield (even though east/west works too)
  • Easy access for materials and workers

Sites are to be selected on their suitability. If you would like more information on site suitability contact Jersey Electricity or SunWorks for more information

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