Polar solar energy

Can solar power be used in polar regions?

Solar power production can thus be more effective in Polar regions and several studies also indicate that there is a market for solar power in the Arctic and the Antarctic.

Are solar power plants sustainable in polar regions?

The design of solar power plants should be adapted to be sustainable in Polar regions. The potential for power production and the climatic effects imposed on ground mounted solar power plants in Polar climates are scarcely documented and limit the use of solar power in Polar regions.

Does polar climate affect solar power plant performance?

The bifacial gain displays a strong seasonal variation due to the presence snow cover and averages 14.7% annually. The findings indicate that the Polar climate enhance the module performance and that an adaption of solar power plant design is necessary for the system to be resilient to snowdrift development. 1. Introduction

Can solar power plants in polar regions be jeopardized by snowdrifts?

The function of solar power plants in Polar regions can be jeopardized by snowdrifts. PV array snowdrifts exhibit a similarity with snow fence snowdrifts. Snow fence theory can be used to minimize the accumulation from the PV arrays. Yield measurements emphasize the potential of solar power in Polar regions.

Can ground mounted solar power plants be adapted to polar regions?

An adaption of the design of solar power plants which ensures high yield and snowdrift resilience should be performed to enable the dispersion of ground mounted solar power plants to Polar regions.

Do snowdrifts affect solar power plants in polar climates?

In this study we show that snowdrifts pose a significant challenge for solar power plants in Polar climates as they can grow to cover the plant, resulting in reduced power production and an imposed mechanical load on the PV arrays.