Photovoltaics at Newfoundland Telephone´s Labrador cycle charge sites

Newfoundland Telephone has seventeen diesel/generator powered radio sites in Labrador. Sixteen of these are configured for cycle charge operation. Cycle charge provides power for the radio load from the station battery plant and the diesels are only operated to recharge the batteries. Cycle charge sites are energy efficient with diesel run times as low as 15%. Major reductions in diesel maintenance costs are also realized from the low diesel run times. On site fuel costs of $2.00 per litre and helicopter rental rates of approximately $1000 per hour are still keeping the operation and maintenance costs high. Newfoundland Telephone has investigated the installation of photovoltaic arrays at cycle charge sites to further reduce costs. This report outlines the design, installation and monitoring phases of a solar photovoltaic technology trial at the West Gull Island radio site in Labrador. The report analyzes the costs and benefits associated with a diesel/solar hybrid system and its effect on the existing systems and operational costs