Svalbard and Jan Mayen solar system for home electricity

Where are Svalbard and Jan Mayen located?

The islands are located north and northwest of Norway, within the southern limits of Arctic sea ice — the northernmost point of Svalbard is within a 620 mi (1,000 km) of the North Pole. Svalbard is approximately 24,570 square mi (63,000 square km); Jan Mayen is approximately 145 square mi (373 square km).

What is the population of Svalbard and Jan Mayen in 2021?

Svalbard and Jan Mayen had a population of 2,939 in January 2021. There were 1,542 internet users in January 2021.

Could a new solar project help remote Arctic communities transition to green energy?

Norway has installed the world’s northernmost ground solar panels in its Svalbard archipelago, a region plunged in round-the-clock darkness all winter. The pilot project could help remote Arctic communities transition to green energy.

Does Isfjord Radio have a solar farm?

The off-grid Isfjord Radio’s new ground-mounted solar farm joins its rooftop solar, which was installed earlier this year. The ground-mounted solar farm sits at 78° north, which makes it the world’s northernmost solar farm. Store Norske hasn’t yet provided details on the specs of the solar panels or battery storage.

What is Unis & Svalbard Energi doing in the Arctic?

The energy company is collaborating with the University of Svalbard (UNIS) and Svalbard Energi in the testing of hybrid renewable energy, battery storage, and diesel generator systems, with a plan to implement them in many of the 1,500 Arctic communities that are off-grid and currently use coal or diesel as an energy source.

Why do solar panels work in Isfjord Radio?

The solar panels also benefit from the "albedo" effect, the reflective power of snow and ice, as well as low temperatures that improve their efficiency. On the flipside, the region is plunged into total darkness from early October until mid-February, which makes it impossible for Isfjord Radio to completely give up fossil fuels.