Solar photovoltaic panels on rooftops in rural Finland

Are solar panels a real thing in Finland?

Jouni Koskela shows off solar panels on the roof of the family home. Image: Petri Vironen / Yle The combined output of solar energy in Finland has increased by a factor of 10 in five years, as the use of solar panels on private properties has grown, says one power grid operator.

What is the most powerful photovoltaic solar plant in Finland?

In 2015, the Kaleva Media printing plant in Oulu became the most powerful photovoltaic solar plant in Finland, with 1,604 solar photovoltaic (PV) units on its roof. Although the city of Oulu, located near the Arctic Circle, has only two hours of weak sunlight in December, the photovoltaic cells work almost around the clock in the summer.

Why is Finland a good place to install solar panels?

"Finland’s advantage is its low atmospheric temperature, which improves the efficiency of solar photovoltaic cells. The colder it gets, the better the solar panels work. Solar panels can also withstand snow loads if they are installed following directions.

Can solar panels be installed on rooftops?

As the trend gains ground, many households have acquired solar panels, usually installed on rooftops. One such homeowner is Savonlinna resident Jouni Koskela, who installed his household solar power plant in spring 2019.

What is the rooftop potential of Finnish buildings?

The rooftop potential of all Finnish buildings (residential, administrative, industrial) is about 34 000 megawatts. In other words, there is a great deal of untapped potential atop our buildings to further the green transition. In the future, two thirds of our daily need for energy will come from renewable sources

Is solar electricity a viable alternative to self-consumption in Finland?

In Finland, solar electricity has so far been a financially competitive alternative only if the self-consumption rate has been high. Now, however, the situation is changing, as solar farms are being built to produce electricity to sell directly to the main grid.