Sandia National Laboratories Demonstrates Viability of Solar Energy in Arctic Alaska
Sandia National Laboratories has successfully demonstrated the viability of photovoltaic (PV) systems for energy generation in the extreme conditions of Arctic Alaska. Since 2022, researchers have been operating an experimental PV system 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Oliktok, Alaska. This site presents significant challenges, including extremely low temperatures that can make solar cells brittle, persistent high winds, and periods of complete darkness during winter months. Despite these obstacles, the multiangled PV arrays, designed to capture sunlight from various directions, have shown promising results. The system utilizes bifacial modules that capture reflective light, significantly boosting performance when snow covers the ground. Data collected over four years indicates that these systems can reliably supply primary or backup electricity for remote communities, research operations, and national security efforts across Alaska and other northern latitudes. The system also includes wind turbin...
