Although during summer Antarctica can see 24 hours of sunlight (great for solar power generation), during winter several months can pass without sun, making solar practically useless.
Photo: Doreen McCurdy 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.
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.
Where is the first Australian solar farm in Antarctica?
Home > News and media > 2019 > First Australian solar farm in Antarctica opens at Casey research station The first Australian solar farm in Antarctica will be switched on at Casey research station today.
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
How many solar panels will Australia's 'Green Store' provide?
Australian Antarctic Division Director, Mr Kim Ellis, said the system of 105 solar panels, mounted on the northern wall of the 'green store', will provide 30 kilowatts of renewable energy into the power grid — about 10 per cent of the station's total demand over a year.