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Photovoltaics for the North: A Canadian Program

Lisa Dignard-Bailey, Sylvain Martel, and Michael M.D. Ross
CANMET Energy Diversification Research Laboratory

Full Text of Article
Link to CETC-Varennes

Note on Authorship:

This article was jointly authored by Dr. Lisa Dignard and Sylvain Martel of the CANMET Energy Diversification Research Laboratory (now known as CETC-Varennes) and Michael M.D. Ross, formerly of the CANMET Energy Diversification Research Laboratory and now principal of RER Renewable Energy Research.

Citation:

Dignard-Bailey, L., S. Martel, and M.M.D Ross. "Photovoltaics for the North: A Canadian Program". Proceedings of the 2nd World Conference and Exhibition on Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion, Vienna, Austria, 6-10 July 1998.

Abstract:

Large seasonal variations in solar radiation and other adverse climatic factors have made the implementation of PV technologies challenging in Canada, especially in the North; however, through the development of new technologies adapted to cold climates and the development of expertise in this field, this challenge is being met. This paper reports on the experience and results of PV for the North, a Canadian program that started in 1993 in response to a need for PV systems better adapted to harsh arctic conditions and information on the technology. This five year program was initiated by the CANMET Energy Diversification Research Laboratory (CERDL), the Aurora Research Institute and the Nunavut Research Institute to address the various issues of importance in the particular context of Canada’s north. The achievements of this program have been reached because of its complete range of activities: from market assessment to product development, to demonstration systems and information dissemination.