Solar panels, or alternative renewable energy technology, will now be a mandatory requirement on all new Guernsey housing and commercial developments following a decision made by the Development & Planning Authority (DPA).
In 2023, the States agreed Guernsey’s Electricity Strategy and directed the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, in consultation with the DPA, to explore ways to further facilitate the installation of solar panel arrays to increase on-island electricity generation.
Policy GP9 within Guernsey’s current Island Development Plan already encourages installing ways of harnessing renewable energy, and from now, roof-mounted solar panels, or appropriate alternatives, will be required to meet this policy.
Measures such as non-roof mounted solar products, air source heat pumps and battery storage can be considered as alternatives to, or in addition to, roof-mounted solar panels. Sites will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure suitable provision can be made.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the DPA, said: “Making solar panels mandatory on new developments is good for our environment and is good for our energy security, all in line with the States-approved Electricity Strategy.
“It’s good that some developers already do this as standard, but making it mandatory means that we’re making the most of the opportunities that new developments pose. It’s also cheaper to install these during the build rather than fitting them somewhere down the line.”
Deputy Adrian Gabriel, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said: “In 2023, through the Electricity Strategy, the States made a clear long-term, strategic decision for Guernsey to pursue additional interconnection while also increasing the amount of energy generated locally through renewable sources. I welcome the DPA’s supportive decision to make solar panels or alternative renewables mandatory on new developments. Making this the norm will undoubtedly help Guernsey in achieving its renewable energy targets.”
