Solar Technologies Program

Better understand the effect of Alaska’s environmental conditions on solar technology performance and durability. The program studies the opportunities that high latitudes present to solar PV installations such increased performance of bifacial modules, high ground albedo, a wide variation in seasonal azimuth angles, and cold weather performance.

Through testing at the UAF solar test site in Fairbanks, and other instrumented sites around the state, the program tests different solar technologies to maximize energy production, robustness and durability, and reduce maintenance needs under northern conditions.

The colocation of solar energy generation with agriculture production, often referred to as agrivoltaics, has the potential to reduce land use conflicts and provide economic opportunities for farmers and the solar industry. Research led by ACEP is working to study northern agrivoltaics and develop tools for farmers and the solar industry to use for future project planning.

Track and quantify trends in solar PV installation costs and performance in both rural and urban areas in Alaska for multiple types and configurations of PV arrays.

Through close collaboration with industry partners ACEP distributes useful analysis and information about solar technology in Alaska to a wide variety of stakeholders.