New interactive map showcases Alaska’s microgrid energy systems

wind and solar farms in Kotzebue
Photo by Amanda Byrd/ACEP
Kotzebue Electric Association’s 1.1-megawatt solar farm and 1.8-megawatt wind farm sit on the tundra outside the community of Kotzebue, 30 miles above the Arctic Circle. A new interactive digital tool allows users to find detailed information on battery energy storage systems and solar photovoltaic installations in Alaska’s microgrid communities such as Kotzebue.

February 4, 2026
By Yuri Bult-Ito

A free interactive digital tool developed by the Alaska Center for Energy and Power gives users a comprehensive look at energy systems in Alaska’s microgrid communities.

The new tool allows users to view, download and share information about battery energy storage systems and solar photovoltaic installations in the state. With a click on a map, users can find information on equipment specifications, system capacity and ownership.

The comprehensive view offered by the Alaska Microgrid BESS and Solar PV Installation Map has not been available before.

Henry Toal, a research engineer with the Grid Edge research team at ACEP, developed the tool.

“The map is more than just a directory,” Toal said. “It allows for data to be accessible and transparent.”

A typical display of a new interactive map
An image shows a typical screen display created by a new interactive digital tool that allows users to find detailed information on battery energy storage systems and solar photovoltaic installations in Alaska’s microgrid communities.

The Microgrids in Alaska Group: Photovoltaic Integration led the map’s development. MAGPI brings together microgrid experts from across the state. It includes specialists from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, the Tanana Chiefs Conference and the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative. They aim to ensure that new energy investments are designed for long-term success.

The group seeks to capture “lessons learned” from previous solar installations. It makes that information available at every project stage, including purchase, installation, system integration and long-term maintenance, strengthening Alaska’s growing microgrid network.

MAGPI and the map were funded by the Denali Commission. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Arctic Energy Office provided additional support.

The tool can be accessed on the ACEP solar technologies webpage.