IEA Report Highlights Untapped Arctic solar PV potential
When you picture the ideal location for a solar farm, your mind probably drifts to a sun-drenched desert, not the icy landscapes of the Arctic. However, a groundbreaking report from the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) is turning this common perception on its head, revealing a significant and largely untapped potential for solar energy in the far north.
The report, titled “Photovoltaics and Energy Security in the Greater Arctic Region 2026,” casts a spotlight on regions located above 60°N latitude. This vast area includes parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. As of 2023, this region had a modest 1,400 MWp of installed solar capacity, but the IEA PVPS suggests this is just the tip of the iceberg.
The Surprising Advantages of Arctic solar PV potential
While the challenge of long, dark winters is real, the report meticulously outlines several unique advantages that make solar photovoltaics (PV) a surprisingly effective energy source in the Arctic.
One of the most significant benefits is the climate itself. The long days of the Arctic summer provide abundant solar radiation, sometimes for nearly 24 hours a day. Furthermore, solar panels operate more efficiently in cold temperatures. The frigid air helps keep the modules cool, boosting their power output and slowing the natural degradation process that affects panels over time. This means that on a clear summer day, a solar panel in the Arctic can be more productive than one in a much warmer climate.
The report also highlights how specific technologies can maximize energy capture in these unique conditions. The use of bifacial modules, which can generate power from both sides, and vertically mounted arrays are particularly effective at capturing reflected light from snow and low-angle sunlight.
Enhancing Energy Security and Resilience with Arctic solar PV potential
Beyond the technical viability, deploying solar PV in the Arctic offers profound benefits for energy security and community resilience. Many remote communities in the region rely heavily on expensive and polluting fossil fuels, which often have to be transported over long distances.
Solar power provides a clean, local, and increasingly affordable alternative. By integrating solar PV, these communities can reduce their dependence on volatile fuel markets, enhance their energy independence, and build more resilient power systems. This transition is not just an environmental win; it’s a strategic move towards a more stable and sustainable energy future for the region.
Overcoming Challenges for a Brighter Arctic solar PV potential
Of course, developing energy infrastructure in the Arctic is not without its challenges. The harsh winter conditions, logistical hurdles, and unique environmental considerations require careful planning and robust technology. However, the report emphasizes that as the cost of solar technology continues to fall, its economic viability in the Arctic is becoming undeniable.
The findings present a clear call to action for policymakers, energy developers, and local communities to re-evaluate the energy landscape of the far north. The Arctic may not be the first place that comes to mind for solar power, but as this report shows, it represents a new and exciting frontier for clean energy.
For a deeper dive into the data and analysis, the complete report, “Photovoltaics and Energy Security in the Greater Arctic Region 2026,” is available for free download on the IEA PVPS website.
