A proposed solar panel installation in St Sampson, Guernsey, has attracted criticism over its planned location. The project, if approved, would involve installing 72 ground-mounted panels on agricultural land that is believed to be a greenfield site.
Critics have raised concerns about the choice of site, citing potential impacts on wildlife. Islander Chris Chadwick stated he was against covering a greenfield site with solar panels, suggesting the applicant's large house roof could be a more suitable location for renewable energy.
However, applicant Len Shephard disputes the characterisation of the land as a greenfield site. He explained that the area previously contained greenhouses which were later destroyed and buried, leading to its reversion to agricultural designation. Shephard added that the site is now unsuitable for agriculture due to buried structures, and the solar equipment would power his home and up to seven other properties.
Simon De La Rue, commercial director for Little Green Energy, highlighted potential obstacles to roof installations, such as dormer windows reducing space. He suggested that for the same labour and wiring costs, roof panels might result in a very high levelised cost of energy and might not meet a property's electrical demands.