Design of a solar power farm north of Whitehorse

Our experts' solutions

BBA and its partner, 3eyond Consulting, analyzed various options for solar panel location, orientation, number and size, resulting in a unique back-to-back design rather than south-facing. Our experts also optimized the angle of the panels to maximize energy from the arctic sun’s low trajectory.

The battery size was optimized based on PV capacity, while a unique optimizer design from Solvest reduced inverter costs. Since travelling to Old Crow is only possible by air, designs must incorporate local materials or be transportable, eliminating large quantities of steel, wood and cement.

Since the solar farm had to be installed in the heart of a territory traditionally reserved for berry picking, we preserved areas dedicated to growing native plants.

Following recommendations from the Vuntut Gwitchin contractor, Porcupine Enterprises Ltd., the BBA geotechnical team designed foundations incorporating an ingenious combination of insulation, geotextiles and drainage tiles to reduce effects on permafrost.