Does solar really work in Guernsey’s weather?

Guernsey receives excellent sunshine levels for solar energy, comparable to some of the best-performing regions in the UK and northern Europe. Despite our island weather, solar panels work extremely well here.

How much sunlight do we actually get?

Guernsey enjoys on average 1,800 hours of sunshine per year. That puts Guernsey above the UK average and firmly within the range where solar panels deliver strong, reliable performance.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunshine. Even on overcast days, your system will still produce energy, and modern panels paired with microinverters are highly efficient at capturing diffuse light.

Is Guernsey sunny enough to make solar worthwhile?

Absolutely. Because our electricity prices are continuing to climb, while the technology has become far more efficient and cheaper, solar panels in Guernsey achieve:

Excellent annual generation
Giving significant bill reductions
High ZEB (Zero Energy Building) and Energy Independence scores for homes
Energy resilience and protection against rising prices

Why does solar work so well here?

• We have long summer days.
• Our latitude is ideal for consistent, year-round daylight.
• Modern panels and microinverters maximise performance in varied conditions.

What can you expect across a year?

A typical well-designed system in Guernsey will generate clean electricity every month of the year, with peaks from April to September and steady, reliable production through autumn and even winter. Winter days will vary depending on brightness of sunlight of course, but you will get sunny days in winter leaving you very impressed with your systems performance.

Is Guernsey too small or too cloudy for solar?

Not at all. In fact, solar is already proving to be one of the most effective and reliable renewable technologies for island communities, reducing import dependence and strengthening local energy resilience, as well as strengthening the economy.

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