Can Solar AGL be an Ideal for Arctic Airports?

In Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, the combination of very short winter days, long nights, and extreme temperatures can significantly reduce battery charging, impacting system autonomy. When it comes to airports with high traffic, low-autonomy solar units may not provide the same reliability because they simply do not have sufficient charging times.

That said, with proper solar AGL planning, airports with busy schedules can still use the system in remote arctic locations where grid power is unavailable. To make it work safely, airport teams should carefully plan with manufacturers:

✔️ Perform on-site testing to verify that autonomy meets operational requirements

✔️ Talk to the manufacturer to choose the best option and ensure its effectiveness for the specific location and conditions

✔️ Select the right battery chemistry, such as Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL), to help maintain performance in extreme cold

Most airports in challenging arctic and sub-arctic climates won't find solar airfield lighting viable. Yet, when properly planned and tested in certain situations, solar airfield lighting systems can enable safe operations where conventional infrastructure is impractical.

SALA advises airports in extreme northern environments to consult manufacturers early and validate systems under local conditions before deployment.

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