Power Station roof array to generate 90,000 kWhs a year
The largest solar PV array in Jersey, installed on the roofs at La Collette Power Station, is now live and generating power on to the grid, giving all Islanders a share of local renewables.
Jersey Electricity partnered with local installer SunWorks to fit the 81kWp array which is expected to generate over 90,000 kWhs a year, enough to power the homes of 11 average domestic consumers for a year or power an electric Nissan Leaf 336,000 miles. Data from the site is being transmitted via GSM and is being remotely monitored with information on each individual panel available for ease of monitoring and maintenance.
The new array is four times the size of the one JE installed as a trial on its Powerhouse roof in 2013. It consists of 289 award-winning Norwegian REC solar panels which themselves have the lowest carbon footprint among leading manufacturers. This is because the energy used in the silicon production process is low carbon as 96% of Norway’s electricity is from hydro-electric sources.
JE CEO Chris Ambler said: ‘This solar project is one of a series that will diversify energy sources to include local renewables. Although introducing local solar will not result in further carbon reductions as Jersey already benefits from an almost completely decarbonised power supply, a third of which even today is from renewable hydro-electric sources, solar PV sits comfortably alongside our existing imported decarbonised power. We also wish to continue our support for the Energy Plan - Pathway 2050 - which states a preference for “moving towards renewable sources of energy where it can be justified on grounds of economics, security and sustainability”.
‘We are presently working with prospective partners on a larger scale pilot export-only, ground-mounted solar farm on which we are making progress. This roof-top array at La Collette has not required planning permission and has therefore been easier and faster to install and we hope it is the first of several in the Island.’
Mark Brandon, founder and Director, of SunWorks said: ‘We are delighted to have been able to work with Jersey Electricity on this project. Although large, it has been a straightforward installation and we have had great support from JE engineers and welcome further projects in the near future.’
