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 solar energy used for in Finland?

Solar energy in Finland is used primarily for water heating and by the use of photovoltaics to generate electricity. As a northern country, summer days are long and winter days are short. Above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not rise some days in winter, and does not set some days 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.

How many solar panels are installed in Finland?

Finland's production capacity is 16 000 m 2 /a. New installations were: 2 380 m 2 (2006), 1 668 m 2 (2005) and 1 141 m 2 (2004). There are growth opportunities in the solar heating. In 2018 S-Ryhmä decided to order solar panels for 40 of its commercial real estate buildings. This is the biggest solar panel project in Finnish history.

Does Finland have a solar heating system?

Thus, Finland has installed 10% of its objective in 11 years time (1995–2010). The solar heating has not been competitive due to cheap alternatives (electricity, fuel oil and district heating) and the lack of support systems. Companies and public organizations may receive 40% investment subsidies, but private houses do not receive subsidies yet.

Is solar energy 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. Globally speaking, solar energy generation is a massive business.