Elonen

Project description

Location
Jämsä

Capacity
998 kWp

Electricity consumption supplied by solar power
~20 %

MWh annually
833 MWh

Elonen Oy focuses on carbon-neutral baking

The family-owned bakery Elonen Oy, based in Jämsä, partnered with Solarigo to build a ground-mounted solar power plant with a capacity of nearly one megawatt in summer 2021. Consisting of 2,268 solar panels, it was the largest solar power plant in Central Finland at the time of its completion.

The project supports Elonen’s long-term goals of increasing energy self-sufficiency, reducing its carbon footprint, and improving the energy efficiency of its bakery operations through renewable solar power.

one-fifth Construction began at Elonen’s site in Jämsä in June 2021, and the plant was operational by the end of July, just a few weeks later. Its estimated annual production of 833 megawatt-hours covers around one fifth of the bakery’s annual electricity needs.

The plant reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 118,000 kg per year, equivalent to the amount absorbed annually by around 25 hectares of Finnish forest.

We are committed to increasing the use of renewable energy. This is the first step in our long-term efforts.

Jari Elonen, CEO, Elonen Oy

Solarigo selected as solar power partner for its expertise and local presence

Solarigo was selected as the project partner for its strong solar power expertise, local presence, as well as straightforward communication. According to Jari Elonen, the project is a long-term investment that will deliver benefits well into the future.

Expansion and energy storage options considered from the outset

From the outset, the plant was designed to allow for future expansion and the addition of energy storage. This will enable Elonen to cover an even greater share of its energy needs with emission-free solar power.

Since the plant became operational, Elonen has significantly reduced its electricity costs by generating part of the electricity it consumes on site. Environmental responsibility, energy efficiency and the responsible use of natural resources are at the core of Elonen’s values, making the solar power plant an important part of the company’s sustainability efforts.

Solarigo has also developed drone-based inspections for the plant in cooperation with Evision Oy, making maintenance more efficient.