The application of solar photovoltaics in the extreme North

• Main Author: Herva, K. (Kalle)
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Oulu 2019
• Subjects: Process and Environmental Engineering; Arctic; Enontekiö
• Online Access: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-201901091013

In this work the applicability and profitability of using solar photovoltaic systems in the extreme north was investigated. This was done by considering the positive and negative effects of long, cold and snowy winters can have on operation of photovoltaic systems. The focus was on difficulties that snow can cause to production when on top of the solar modules, but also on how much extra production can be had during the spring with higher ground reflectance caused by the snow. Economic evaluation was also done to see if the photovoltaic systems can be profitable in the circumpolar region. Two case studies located in Enontekiö, Finland were modeled using Sketchup, and the solar PV systems’ yearly productions for these models were simulated using Skelion. Further, Homer Energy was used to simulate the daily consumption and production profiles of these case studies. Homer was also used further to simulate the increased production due to higher ground reflectance. Finsolar economic evaluation tool was used to calculate payback times of the simulated systems. Lastly, literature review was done on operation of PV systems and on the impact of snow. Focus was in particular on clearing the snow from the solar arrays. The work established that PV systems were found to be economically feasible in the extreme north, although with longer payback times than in southern locations. The harsh weather conditions of the arctic region call for more careful planning of the system. There is still a need for innovations and better practices to increase the electricity production of photovoltaics. The results of this work are applicable to other northern, remote and sparsely populated locations. It is expected that the outcome could provide a motivation for building pilot PV systems in the extreme north, in order to progress research in the subject. Tässä diplomityössä selvitettiin aurinkosähkön kannattavuutta ja toimivuutta pohjoisissa kunnissa. Tarkastelun alla olivat pitkän, kylmän ja lumisen talven vaikutukset aurinkosähkön ...