Image Credit: Michigan Tech University Life on the Keweenaw Peninsula can pose challenges, with a short summer season for outdoor activities and long, harsh winters. However, this unique region offers year-round opportunities for renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. Assistant professor of mechanical engineering Ana Dyreson recently shed light on the efforts being taken at the nation's northernmost regional test center to enhance the performance of photovoltaic systems in chilly climates. With innovative solutions in place, the Keweenaw Peninsula is at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions and paving the way for a greener future. If you've ever spent a winter in a sub-freezing climate, you know that the snow season can feel like it lasts forever. But for those who can navigate it, the rewards are priceless. Beyond just the enjoyment of skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or even venturing out on your own, there's a can-do attitude that allows people to thrive in these climates. It's an attitude that also applies to creating resilient and adaptive electric power systems in cold climates. Adapting solar to snowy climates Adapting solar photovoltaic panel technology for snowy weather may seem like a daunting task, but engineers are up to the challenge. And as we learn how to optimize systems for our own snowy climate, we can ultimately improve solutions for other areas that face regular snowfall. Fortunately, new technologies are making it possible to create more resilient and adaptive power systems. Solar photovoltaic panels, in particular, are becoming more prevalent in cold climates. These panels were originally designed for use in areas with lots of sunshine, but with adaptations to the system design, they can now be optimized for snowy conditions. The lessons learned in creating electric power systems for extreme cold can be applied to other locations that experience similar weather patterns, making way for more reliable and sustainable energy solutions. Snow and solar challenges Electric power systems are essential to our day-to-day lives, but they can be seriously impacted by extreme weather conditions. Cold climates pose a unique challenge for engineers who must create systems that can withstand harsh winters and ensure that communities have access to a reliable power supply. As solar energy use continues to expand throughout the world, one region in particular is faced with a unique challenge: designing PV systems to perform in cold, high latitudes and snowy climates. This is especially crucial as reducing the amount of time that PV systems are covered in snow is essential for maximizing energy output. Dyreson’s research delves into this topic, exploring ways to improve performance during the winter months and understanding the impact of high penetrations of solar PV on the power system. With these factors in mind, we can work towards solutions optimizing solar energy use in even the harshest climates. Solar arrays are crucial When it comes to powering large solar facilities, the choice of solar array technology is crucial. There are three types of arrays found in these plants: fixed-tilt, single-axis tracking, and dual-axis tracking. While fixed-tilt systems may be the simplest option, single-axis tracking systems have become the most popular choice for new facilities thanks to their ability to automatically rotate throughout the day, following the sun's path from east to west. For those looking to maximize energy output, dual-axis tracking systems offer an even greater advantage, as they can also adjust their position on the north-south axis. However, this increased functionality typically comes with a higher price tag, leading many facilities to opt for single-axis systems instead. No matter the choice, the ultimate goal is to capture as much solar energy as possible. Image Credit: New England Clean Energy Removing snow As solar power technology advances, it’s important to address its associated challenges, such as the effect of snow cover on a large solar power plant. While removing snow from a small residential system may be simple, this isn’t practical or easy for a bigger system. Dyreson’s research group has recognized this problem and is working to find a solution that reduces snow shading on single-axis tracking systems. By optimizing the position of the panels, we can encourage melting snow to fall off the panels, ultimately shedding snow buildup. We’re also considering the impact of wind speed, irradiance, and temperature when positioning the panels for the snow shed, ensuring we’re considering all factors. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of solar power systems, even in areas with heavy snowfall. Solar energy to power our winters As we contemplate the future of renewable energy, it's important to recognize the significant role of solar power - not just on the small, residential scale but also on a much larger one. In fact, the majority of solar capacity in the U.S. is utility-scale and driven by photovoltaic technology. This not only signals the immense potential of solar power as a viable source of sustainable energy but also highlights the necessity to explore its potential for further growth and innovation. By prioritizing and investing in utility-scale solar, we can significantly reduce our reliance on non-renewable sources of energy and propel a cleaner, brighter future. Contact US Solar Supplier today to find out how you can have year-round renewable energy.
