NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Dehcho Region

Tags: physical sciences, economic feasibility, solar energy

Objective(s): To conduct pre-feasibility studies on the use of solar energy in Jean Marie River and Fort Providence.

Project Description: The objective of this research project is to conduct pre-feasibility studies on the use of solar energy in Jean Marie River and Ft. Providence. In this study, the researchers will be measuring solar irradiance levels. This summer (2011) the project engineer will travel to Jean Marie River and Fort Providence to start monitoring solar irradiance in the two communities. The monitoring units will likely be placed on a GNWT building in Fort Providence, and on the band office building in Jean Marie River. The sensors will collect solar irradiance data for at least one year; depending on the success of data capture and annual variation in weather (cloud cover, etc.). Once the study is completed, the sensors will be removed, and pre-feasibility studies will be produced and distributed in both plain language and technical reports. Collecting site specific solar irradiance data will help the communities determine exactly how cost effective solar energy projects can be. Once enough data has been collected, a pre-feasibility report on the local use of solar energy will be produced in both plain language and technical formats. These reports will then be distributed to the communities by mail, posted on the Aurora Research Institute website (www.nwtresearch.com), and placed in the Aurora Research Institute library. Annual updates will also be available through the compendia of research published each year by the Aurora Research Institute. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from September 7, 2011 to December 31, 2011.