Ground mount farm with bifacial panels and power optimizers reduces diesel reliance, creates local solar jobs

At a Glance:Radio Flyer

  • Location: Kotzebue, Alaska
  • Installed Capacity:  576kW
  • Modules:  1440 x 400WLG Neon Bifacial
  • Inverters: 8 x SE66k Three Phase Inverters with Synergy Technology
  • Power Optimizers: 720 x P850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kotzebue Electric Association (KEA) that provides electricity to rural Kotzebue, Alaska consumes 1.2 million gallons of diesel fuel per year, costing between $2.4-$5M. This led them to explore cheaper, cleaner sources of energy.

Flyer Wagon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With SolarEdge MPPT technology combined with bifacial panels, we expect to generate more energy than initially estimated.
Matt Bergan
Engineer, Kotzebue Electric Association

 

EPC provider Alaska Native Renewable Industries leveraged bifacial modules to utilize the light that reflects off snow accumulation. SolarEdge’s commercial PV solution was chosen to maximize energy yield, eliminating mismatch losses often occurring in bifacial modules. With SolarEdge’s Monitoring Platform, KEA has the bonus of remote troubleshooting capabilities for higher system uptime and low O&M costs..

SolarEdge’s DC optimized commercial solution eliminated mismatch losses by almost 3% in the first year compared to a traditional string inverter. In addition, the energy gain is estimated to be over 6% by the year 20. By pairing SolarEdge’s inverter and Power Optimizer combination with bifacial modules, an additional gain of at least 5% is expected.