Solar power in Alaska

In this article, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Solar power in Alaska. From its origins to its evolution over the years, we'll dive into everything related to Solar power in Alaska. We will analyze its influence on various aspects of society, its impact on people's lives and its relevance in the current context. In addition, we will explore different perspectives and expert opinions on Solar power in Alaska, with the aim of offering a global and complete vision of this exciting topic. Without a doubt, Solar power in Alaska is a topic that does not leave anyone indifferent and from which you can always learn something new.

Solar panels in Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge

Solar power in Alaska has been primarily used in remote locations,[1] such as the Nenana Teen Center[2] near Fairbanks, where long summer days provide most of the electricity generated.[3][4] In 2015, Alaska ranked 45th in installed solar among U.S. states.[5] Rooftop solar panels could provide 23% of all electricity used in Alaska.[6] Net metering is available for PV systems up to 25 kW but is limited to 1.5% of average demand.[7] IREC best practices, based on experience, recommends no limits to net metering, individual or aggregate, and perpetual roll over of kWh credits.[8]

In 2011, Alaska's largest solar array was the 17.28 kW array installed on a building in Anchorage.[9][10] A 12 kW solar array installed in Lime Village in July 2001 helped reduce electricity costs.[11][12]

Annual insolation and thus power production per capacity installed in Alaska is similar to central Europe, where Germany became a leader in worldwide solar power use in the years around 2010.

The Houston Solar Farm in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is the state's largest solar facility, at 8.5 MW, built in 2023.[13][14] The project is designed with steeply angled and elevated bifacial panels and wide spacing between rows to accommodate snow removal and shade reduction. The project will be used for agrivoltaics research.[15]

The Puppy Dog Lake Project in Nikiski, on the Kenai Peninsula, is planned to be 30 MW.[16]

Statistics

Source: NREL[17]
Grid-Connected PV Capacity (MWp)[18][19][20][21][22]
Year Capacity Change % Change
2010 <0.1
2011 <0.1
2012 <0.1
2013 0.2 0.2 >100%
2014 0.39 0.21 20%
2015 0.72 0.33 85%
2016 0.95 0.23 32%
2017 1.75 0.8 84%
2018 2.78 1.23 70%
2019 7.78 5 180%
2020 12.1 4.32 56%
2021 15.4 3.3 27%
2022 18 2.6 %

See also

References

  1. ^ Renewable Energy in Alaska
  2. ^ Nenana Teen Center
  3. ^ Do Solar Panels Work in Alaska? Archived 2012-05-28 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Tiny Alaskan Village May Set Solar Pace for Remote Areas
  5. ^ Alaska, SEIA, accessed June 4, 2016
  6. ^ Report Argues for a Decentralized System of Renewable Power Generation
  7. ^ Alaska - Net Metering Archived 2012-04-18 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Net Metering and Interconnection Procedures Incorporating Best Practices
  9. ^ Solar Panels Light Up Downtown Building Archived 2012-06-15 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Anchorage Solar Building
  11. ^ View from the Field – Solar in Alaska Archived 2013-02-03 at archive.today
  12. ^ Hybrid generator cuts Lime Village energy costs
  13. ^ "Houston Solar Farm | CleanCapital Project Gallery". CleanCapital. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  14. ^ Fanelli, Michael (2023-08-31). "Mat-Su Borough welcomes Alaska's biggest solar farm". Alaska Public Media. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  15. ^ Harrison, Derek (2024-10-08). "Alaska Utilities Turn to Renewables as Costs Escalate for Fossil Fuel Electricity Generation". Inside Climate News. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  16. ^ Diep, Jamie (2024-08-21). "Homer utility board approves buying energy from what will be Alaska's largest solar farm". KTOO. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  17. ^ "PV Watts". NREL. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  18. ^ Sherwood, Larry (August 2012). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2011" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2012-08-16.
  19. ^ Sherwood, Larry (June 2011). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2010" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Retrieved 2011-06-29.
  20. ^ Sherwood, Larry (July 2009). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2008" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). p. 16. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  21. ^ Sherwood, Larry (July 2012). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2012" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). p. 16. Retrieved 2013-10-11.
  22. ^ Alaska Solar
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