Leppäkoski Group: The Ikaalinen solar park blends seamlessly into the landscape
Leppäkoski Group Oy provides customers with sustainable electricity, heating, and energy solutions to meet evolving needs. To reduce its own carbon footprint, the Leppäkoski Group decided to invest in renewable solar energy.
Finnwind Oy was selected as the contractor for the ground-mounted solar power plant, and the Pouta Solar Park was inaugurated in August 2023. The solar park was built on a wasteland area using the Finnwind FS-A1 ground-mounting system, which allowed for optimal land utilization without obstructing the urban landscape.
The area now produces approximately 400,000 kWh of solar energy for Leppäkoski Group’s use.
440 kWp ground-mounted solar power plant
Leppäkoski Group Oy, an energy company operating in the Pirkanmaa region, provides electricity, district heating, and natural gas services, along with energy solutions to its customers. In 2023, the company decided to invest in renewable energy to cost-effectively and responsibly cover its own electricity consumption.
“Finnwind’s solution proved to be the most cost-effective and the best fit for the specific site during the tender process,” says Mika Laatu, Senior Advisor at Leppäkoski Group Oy.
Groundwork began in May 2023, and the solar panels were swiftly installed during June. Afterward, fencing and final touches were completed.
The Pouta Solar Park was inaugurated in August 2023. The solar panels installed in the solar park are now efficiently generating clean and renewable solar power for the group’s own use. In line with its ESG policy, Leppäkoski Group Oy aims to increase the share of locally produced renewable electricity in its operations.
In August, Leppäkoski Group also conducted so-called ortho-mosaic imaging of the solar panel field, using thermal cameras and high-resolution specialized cameras. The inspection revealed that the solar panels were of exceptionally high quality.
”Preliminary results suggest that this type of panel appears to generate a small amount of electricity even in November and December when the sun doesn’t shine, and the panels are covered in snow. From August to November, the solar park produced approximately 100,000 kWh of solar electricity, which accounts for about a quarter of the estimated annual output. , Laatu describes.
A large solar power plant doesn’t have to obscure the landscape
The Finnwind FS-A1 ground-mounting system used in this project enabled the solar panels to be installed with excellent land utilization without obstructing the landscape. The FS-A1 system achieves the same or even better land coverage compared to traditional taller mounting systems.
The solar park was built using highly efficient bifacial solar panels, which allow for energy production from both the front and back sides of the panels.
“A unique feature of the solar park is its central and prominent location in the Ikaalinen town center. Based on the feedback received, the final result is visually appealing. “The chosen mounting system and implementation method also accelerated the installation process of the solar panels,” says Mika Laatu.
The secure installation system also features a panel angle that reduces snow sliding and accumulation at the front of the panel, eliminating the need to move snow and preventing any increased risk to the durability of the panel’s front edge.
“As a traditional energy company, we value the collaboration and expertise that Finnwind has demonstrated as the main contractor for the solar park,” Laatu concludes.
Pouta solar park in Ikaalinen
- Tier 1 manufacturer Suntech’s 565 Wp bifacial solar panels, with an efficiency of 21.9%.
- Durable and cost-effective Finnwind FS-A1 installation system
- Next-generation string inverters with multi-MPPT capability and compatible solar distribution boxes.
Haluatko kuulla lisää ratkaisuistamme? Ota yhteyttä ja keskustellaan tarkemmin!