ABSTRACT
In July 1995, a 3.2 kWp photovoltaic (PV) power system was installed on the southern facade of the Nunatta campus building of the Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit, Northwest Territories, in the north of Canada. The PV array is connected to an inverter that transfers energy to the college’s electric grid, reducing both its electrical consumption from the grid and the diesel consumption of the community. The system has been in operation since September 1995 and has proved to be very reliable to date. The PV array has operated with an efficiency of 11.0% to 11.2% during the sunny, cold months of February through April. During summer, efficiency is only 9.0 to 9.7%, owing to the higher temperatures. During winter, efficiencies are around 8.5% to 10%, with the reduction attributed to low light levels. The system has generated roughly 2 MWh of electricity per year.
