Solar panels at Guernsey charity HQ to 'power 40 homes'

The solar panels can power 40 homes

A solar panel project at a Guernsey charity is now complete and will power about 40 homes, Guernsey Electricity said.

There are 310 photovoltaic panels on the roof of the newly reopened Guernsey Rural Occupational Workshop (Grow) site.

The charity worked with Guernsey Electricity and The Little Green Energy Company on the scheme.

Grow helps people with learning disabilities develop life skills.

With the ability to generate more than 135,000kWh of electricity a year, the Coutanchez site can supply solar power to the community, as well as its own buildings.

Karen Blanchford, Grow Ltd general manager, said they were determined from the outset that the redevelopment should be "an asset for the island as a whole".

Grow has solar panels for both community and the charity's use

She said to ensure the "greatest benefit" for day-to-day operations, they commissioned The Little Green Energy Company to install a smaller array on the roof of the hospitality training unit.

Alan Bates, CEO at Guernsey Electricity, said: "These on-island initiatives are designed to increase the amount of electricity generated from local renewable sources.

"The electricity feeds directly into the island's network so that all our customers can benefit from locally generated, clean solar energy."

Similar projects have been completed in the island in recent years, including those at Guernsey Post, King George V Playing Fields, The Ladies' College and the Waste Transfer Station at Longue Hougue.

Bob Beebe, CEO of The Little Green Energy Company, said: "This has been a super project for all stakeholders involved and importantly our island community at large and we are delighted that the systems are now fully operational generating sustainable renewable electricity."

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