Arctic Bifacial Solar Photovoltaics

Northern Canada presents favorable conditions for bifacial solar installations due to typically higher albedo, caused by a high degree of snow cover, and low temperature, which is ideal for PV module efficiency. In addition, many northern and remote Canadian communities, including Iqaluit and Cambridge Bay, rely on diesel power. Bifacial solar presents a clean and potentially cheaper alternative.
This project will pursue novel bifacial solar cell structures with the goal to further improve cell efficiency generally, and specifically to improve cell performance under Arctic conditions. In the course of this project, we will design, fabricate, and test cells optimized for improved efficiency in high latitudes. The cells should be optimized for low temperatures, high air mass (reduced ultraviolet/blue energy, due to high latitudes), and wide acceptance angle on the rear face to absorb ground-reflected and diffuse light.

Faculty Supervisor:

Karin Hinzer

Student:

Partner:

Arizona State University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Green/Alternative Energy; Energy and Utilities; Advanced Manufacturing

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: