Map shows if homes are suitable for solar panels

An online map has been launched to help islanders understand how suitable their homes are for solar panels.

The States of Guernsey said the map was colour-coded to show the amount of light that solar panels would receive on the island's rooftops across the course of a year.

Roofs with higher potential to generate electricity through solar panels show as dark red, while roof spaces with lower potential are coloured dark blue.

Deputy Adrian Gabriel, said while islanders are encouraged to contact professionals when looking to install solar panels, the map would be a "really helpful tool to get an initial idea on whether the potential for solar is there for householders".

The States said renewable energy provider, Little Green, had spoken to the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure to highlight the benefits of the tool to people interested in installing solar panels.

Gabriel said the island gets about 30-35% more sunshine than the UK on average. He added: "This free tool makes us well placed to understand how we can better take advantage of the energy we can harness from the sun.

"It's clear that there is a significant opportunity in our island, and this map might just be the catalyst to take Guernsey's solar generation to the next level."

Simon de la Rue, commercial director at Little Green, said: "This map gives an independent, objective check, so any quote can be held to it."

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