Solar power production started in Helsinki district of Suvilahti
Solar power production in Finland’s largest solar power plant started in the Helsinki district of Suvilahti in early March. A solar power plant in an urban environment enables production of clean energy close to where the energy is used. Helen’s plant will increase the total solar electricity output connected to Finland’s grid by over 10 per cent.
The installation work of the solar panels for the Suvilahti solar power was completed at the end of February, and the plant’s electricity generation started at the beginning of March. The panels were installed on the roof of the existing substation in connection with other renovations.
The capacity of this largest solar power plant in Finland is over 340 kW. The plant produces about 275 megawatt-hours of solar power each year, which corresponds to the electricity consumption of about 137 one-bedroom apartments. Helen’s plant will increase the total solar electricity output connected to Finland’s grid by over 10 per cent.
Renewable energy in the city centre
The solar power plant in an urban environment enables production of clean energy close to where the energy is used.
– The solar power plant promotes the achievement of a carbon-neutral future in a concrete way, Project Director Atte Kallio of Helen Ltd points out. – Helen is committed to building new solar power according to demand. Our customers can have a direct impact on increasing domestic and renewable energy production by joining the reservation queue for new designated panels.
The Suvilahti solar power plant concept has paid particular attention to easy scalability: the solar power plant can be implemented at many different sites in any city. There are plans for a new solar power plant in the Helsinki region. It is possible to register as an advance buyer of designated panels online.
The 1,188 solar panels at Suvilahti were sold as designated panels. Customers will acquire the solar power produced by their designated panels for a fixed monthly fee, and the value of the power will be deducted from their electricity bill. The panels were sold out in a few days.
The solar power plant can be monitored in real time online, and customers who have purchased a designated panel can see the production of their own panel in an online service to be launched soon.
One designated panel at Suvilahti produces over 11% of the electricity used by a one-bedroom apartment. If the occupants of the apartment save energy and have five panels at their disposal, they can produce all of the annual electricity they use themselves directly from the sun.
Facts:
• The Suvilahti solar power plant reduces carbon dioxide emissions and therefore acts as a concrete means towards a carbon-neutral future.
• The project has social significance. Helen Ltd is committed to building new solar power according to demand.
• The power plant output is over 340 kWh. The plant will increase the total solar electricity output connected to the grid in Finland by over 10 per cent.
• Estimated annual production is 275 MWh. The volume of energy corresponds to the electricity consumption of about 137 one-bedroom apartments.
• The value of the investment is about EUR 600,000. The power plant was implemented with funds from the Environmental Penny account.
• The location is Suvilahti in Helsinki, the roof of a substation owned by Helen Sähköverkko Oy.