Solar Power

Phase I

Solar Panel array

  • Phase I of the project began operating in July 2020 and integrated solar energy into the Kotzebue Electric Association (KEA) system
  • The project replaced 532 kilowatts (kW) of first-generation wind turbines with 532 kW of solar panels and inverters, co-located at the KEA wind site
  • The cost of this project was $1.9 million
  • NANA Regional Corporation, through the U.S. Department of Energy, Tribal Energy Program, provided $600,000 in funding
  • The Northwest Arctic Borough, through the Village Initiative Fund, provided an additional $600,000 in funding
  • KEA provided $700,000 of capital funds for the project

532 kW Project Completed in July 2020
($1.9 million project cost)

Phase II

  • KEA is now collecting solar energy and learning to maximize the solar resource
  • KEA is planning to install an additional 500 to 650 kW of solar power

500 to 650 kW planned installation
(seeking funding of $2 million)