Plans for £18k solar panels on library roof

Twenty-four solar panels will be installed on the roof of a library, if a planning application is approved.

Documents posted online show plans for Guernsey's Guille-Allès Library would cost £18,505 to install, but that it would lead to an estimated net utility bill saving of £83,631 by the end of 2045.

CCD Architects, which has submitted the application on behalf of the Trustees of Guille-Allès Library, said the solar panels would "only be visible from a small number of vantage points", and they would not be seen by people on the public highway at Market Street level.

The panels would be placed on the front slope of the library's rear roof, which faced south-east, the architects added.

While the library is a protected building, the applicants said the proposed works would not alter its existing fabric or structure.

They added they believed the nature and location of the works on the building would have "no adverse effect on the surrounding town setting".

Documents show the solar panels would generate 11,456 kWh of energy per year.

The application said: "As a public building in constant use, we believe the installation of new Solar PV Panels will support the island's approach towards renewable energy production and help reduce the overall running costs and carbon footprint of the Guille-Allès Library."

Anybody who wishes to comment on the application has until 19 May.

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