Ronez To Install Shed Roof Solar Panels

Solar panels will be put on the roof of Ronez's bagging shed in St John and power exported to the grid.

The aggregates firm is partnering with Jersey Electricity to install solar technology.

The panels will generate enough to power around 100 electric cars a year (80,000 kWh)

"Increasing Ronez’s sustainability is a key factor as we look to reduce our carbon footprint across our operations. As a business we are significant users of energy, so meeting any of our electricity demand from locally generated renewable energy is a step in the right direction." - Mike Osborne, Ronez Managing Director.

The energy company says improvements to photovoltaic technology mean smaller arrays are becoming increasingly viable.

JE says output from Ronez’s solar panels is 400W, compared with the 365W per panel generated at the Jersey Dairy and Woodside Farm developments.

 "While this project is smaller than our previous installations at Albert Bartlett and Jersey Dairy, it is a significant development in the use of newer, higher yielding solar technology which is opening up new possibilities on smaller roofs.

It’s also great to be using local partner, Sun Works again for the installation works.

Coupled with our low carbon imported hydro and nuclear power from France, our local partnership approach enables all islanders to benefit from locally generated renewable power delivered via the grid; it helps support the local economy and diversify our energy sources." - JE CEO Chris Ambler.

Jersey Electricity is continuing to develop roof-based projects as well as looking for areas for ground-mounted arrays.

"We are keen to hear from any prospective roof or ground solar partners who are interested in working with us to develop more local renewable energy."

In September the company applied for planning permission to install a solar farm on land at Sorel Point, near Ronez Quarry and earlier this year it announced plans for a similar array in St Clement.