SUNLAB receives funding for an Inuktitut translation

The non-technical summary of a key research article examining how solar energy systems perform in cold, snowy environments has now been translated into Inuktitut, expanding access to renewable energy knowledge for Inuit and northern communities. This work is a contribution to ArcticNet and funded by the Strategic Science Fund.

The article, Long‑Term Photovoltaic System Performance in Cold, Snowy Climates, first-authored by SUNLAB PhD graduate Dr. Erin Tonita and published in peer-reviewed journal Progress in Photovoltaics analyzes how photovoltaic (PV) systems degrade over time in subarctic and tundra regions. Using real‑world data from solar installations in Alaska and the Northwest Territories, the study shows that PV systems in cold climates often degrade more slowly than those in warmer region, despite exposure to snow loads, freeze–thaw cycles, and high winds.

By making this research available in Inuktitut, the authors aim to support informed decision‑making in northern communities and contribute to more inclusive, accessible science. The translation underscores the growing role of solar energy as a reliable and cost‑effective option for reducing diesel dependence in remote and Arctic regions.

Click here for the plain language summary and full article.