Harnessing Solar Energy in Finland: Sungrow Powers Northern PV Project
Harnessing Solar Energy in Finland: Sungrow Powers Northern PV Project
In a remarkable feat of engineering and innovation, Sungrow, a renowned global leader in PV inverter technology, has equipped a vast solar power facility situated just south of the Arctic Circle in Finland. This project, located in Simo, Lapland, showcases not only the capabilities of solar energy in even the most extreme climatic conditions but also reflects a significant milestone in Finland's renewable energy efforts.
Project Overview
The solar park, boasting a generation capacity of 70 MWp, is set to become one of the largest in Finland and stands as one of the northernmost large-scale photovoltaic installations globally. With a sprawling site measuring around 95 hectares, this endeavor will feature approximately 120,000 solar panels, seamlessly integrated with existing wind turbines to create a hybrid power facility aimed at supporting Finland's ambitious carbon neutrality targets.
The remarkable feat was made possible with the deployment of 180 SG350HX string inverters from Sungrow, which have been specifically designed to perform optimally in cold, wet, and challenging environments. These inverters, installed beneath the solar modules, maintain effective operation even in harsh winter conditions when ice and moisture could threaten performance.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Demanding Conditions
Sungrow's SG350HX inverters are equipped with IP66 and C5 anti-corrosion protections, smart air-cooling systems, and a robust weather-proof design, ensuring their resilience against Finland's notoriously freezing temperatures. Project Manager Jere Graf from Solarigo highlighted the inverter's strong performance in prior implementations and praised its updated flexibility and reliability as key factors in their decision-making process. He noted, “We value Sungrow's technical support and long-term warranty terms, vital for operations in remote areas.”
This collaboration is a symbiotic partnership between Sungrow, the EPC contractor Solarigo, and distributor PVO International, who supplied the solar panels. Solarigo stands as Finland's largest developer specializing in utility-scale solar projects, bringing extensive expertise in constructing renewable energy solutions that withstand northern weather conditions.
A Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Henry Särkisilta, Sungrow’s Key Account Manager in Finland, expressed the company's commitment to developing efficient technologies in challenging environments. He stated, “The SG350HX's flexibility and connection options make it perfectly suited for renovations in harsh climates. This project illustrates how technology and innovation can revolutionize energy production, even in remote regions of Europe.”
The SG350HX inverters are designed for large-scale PV applications and represent one of Sungrow's most efficient and powerful offerings. They boast a high power density and smart diagnostic features, which streamline both installation and maintenance operations while facilitating an impressive maximum efficiency of 99%. Furthermore, with intelligent safety features and compliance with global grid codes, the SG350HX is well-positioned to adapt to various operational demands.
Strengthening Nordic Presence
Before this solar power initiative, Sungrow had successfully deployed a 60 MWh battery energy storage system earlier this year in Simo, a move that underscores the company’s growing presence in the Nordic energy landscape. The projects not only contribute to a more resilient grid but also support Finland's transition towards a greener energy model, aligning with Sungrow’s philosophy of