Solar Energy for Self-Sufficient Electric Aircraft Operations at Bardufoss Flight School
Abstract
Electric transport powered by renewable energy is key to reduce the climate impact of the transport sector. Significant resources are put in to developing larger electric and hybrid-electric passenger aircraft, but the first electric planes will be small and short-range. Flight schools can be early adopters of electric aircraft. This paper presents the experiences from the first year of operation of an electric aircraft powered by local solar energy at University of Tromsø School of Aviation (UTSA) in Northern Norway. First year measurements of the 100 m2 PV installation at the Bardufoss show that the system could supply energy for around 700 flight hours with the electric aircraft.