Solar panels systems Antarctica

How many solar panels are there in Antarctica?

The first Australian solar farm in Antarctica was switched on at Casey research station in March 2019. The system of 105 solar panels, mounted on the northern wall of the ‘green store’, provides 30 kW of renewable energy into the power grid. That’s about 10% of the station’s total demand.

Can solar power be used in Antarctica?

Although advancements in technology are now making solar a more viable option for use in the polar regions, there is already a history of solar power supporting scientists in the Arctic and Antarctica. For example, the British Antarctic Survey’s Halley VI research station is powered by a combination of solar panels and wind turbines.

Can solar panels run in Arctic and Antarctica?

In fact, some studies suggest that cooler temperatures can help solar panels run more efficiently. Instead, solar panels rely on solar radiation to produce energy. So, the question isn’t whether the Arctic and Antarctica are warm enough, but whether they get enough sun exposure. The fact is that we can use solar panels at the poles.

How much sunlight does Antarctica get a day?

The Antarctic summer sees 24 hours of sunlight a day. This is a valuable resource as renewable energy. The Casey solar panel array installed. A wind deflector (visible down the length of the array on the left side of the building) minimises the effects of high wind speeds during blizzards. Photo: Doreen McCurdy

Where is Antarctica's research base?

The country has been maintaining a research base in the Antarctic for over 30 years. The Artigas base, opened in 1984, is home to 10 research scientists and 15 crew members in summer. The base was traditionally powered by diesel generators.

Do research stations rely on solar?

But this isn’t a unique case. Other research stations, such as The Neumayer III research station and The Princess Elisabeth Antarctica research station, also rely on solar installations. It is clear that solar does and will continue to play a crucial role in supporting the essential research being conducted in the Arctic and Antarctica.