Jersey’s first solar panel farm switched on to power homes
May 1, 2025
Jersey’s first solar farm switched on
BBCJersey’s first solar farm which will provide enough energy to power more than 600 homes has been switched on.
The 11 acre site consists of nearly 7,500 panels and is expected to power 14% of St Clement’s homes.
Jersey Electricity’s chief executive Chris Ambler said the array was a “very significant achievement” and was important for the island’s energy independence.
The solar farm and plans for a further five sites have received criticism from some residents and farmers who believe countryside land should not be used.
‘Significant achievement’
Mr Ambler said: “By a country mile it is the biggest solar panel array in the Channel Islands, it’s the first big ground-based solar development.
“It’s relatively modest by international standards but for Jersey I think it is a very significant achievement.”
He added the project cost more than £4.5m but should lead to lower and more stable electricity costs for the island.
“We’re constantly looking for opportunities to diversify but do so cost-effectively and we think solar has a very important role to play as well as off-shore wind,” Mr Ambler said.
‘Energy security’
Deputy Steve Luce, Environment Minister, said: “Low carbon energy will be critical to the island’s energy mix in the future.
“I congratulate Jersey Electricity and its partners on developing this scheme which, as well as providing the island with renewable energy, also helps contribute to our energy security.”
He added it is important to consider whether the panels can be viewed by residents and tourists in their plans.
The Island Plan for 2022-2025 set out that large-scale solar panel installations were an increasingly viable option to reduce Jersey’s reliance on French sources and increase levels of renewable energy.
It added solar panel installations on the ground are easily removed allowing the land to be restored to its original condition.
JEThe site is also home to more than 100 sheep from Panigot Farm, which will prevent grass overgrowing and benefit from the shade of the panels.
Jeremy Hughes, owner of Panigot Farm, said he contacted JE in 2022 when the site’s plans were announced as he knew of the benefits for sheep grazing in solar fields.
Mr Hughes said: “[The sheep] seem to be absolutely thriving, they’re really enjoying the shade the panels themselves bring.
“Particularly in this weather – I think it’s 25 degrees today – they’re spending a lot of time in the shade which they normally wouldn’t have the chance to do that.”
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