Isku

Project description

Location
Lahti

Capacity
2.8 MWp

Solar panels
6 040

Solar panel fields
3

Solar power plant for Europe’s Green Capital

ISKU has aimed to reduce its carbon footprint in line with Finland’s national climate targets. When Lahti was named the European Green Capital in 2021, ISKU decided to invest in solar energy. As a result, a solar power plant with a total capacity of 2.8 MWp was commissioned in Lahti at ISKU’s production facilities and ISKU Center between 2021 and 2022.

We have followed the state’s carbon neutrality goals and policies. To achieve them, companies need to take practical action. That’s exactly what we did together with Solarigo.

Asko Dahlbom, Director, financing

A large-scale energy solution

After implementing numerous energy efficiency measures, ISKU moved forward with adding solar power to its properties in Lahti. When discussions with Solarigo began, the initial idea was a wall-mounted solar plant. Soon it was realized that the factory property and ISKU Center had significant electricity consumption, making a larger ground-mounted solution more suitable.

“Then I realized, of course, we have land available between our factories for a wider implementation. Luckily, our partner said, ‘We’ve done this before — let’s do it,’” recalls Dahlbom.

This led to the design of a system with about 6,000 solar panels. To optimize production, two fields were allocated to supply electricity to the factory and one to ISKU Center. The plants were dimensioned so that from April to September they cover practically all daytime electricity consumption of the properties.

Smooth execution with many considerations

The project began in early 2021 with preliminary planning, specifying installation sites, and securing the necessary permits. The area required careful consideration: the nearby railway, underground gas pipelines and district heating lines, zoning regulations, and neighbor consultations. Cooperation with authorities and stakeholders went smoothly, with Solarigo providing answers based on experience from similar large-scale projects.

Local contractors familiar with ISKU’s properties were engaged for earthworks and electrical installations. This ensured that Solarigo’s solar expertise was combined effectively with local know-how. The contract was signed in mid-2021, the first solar field was connected to the grid in December that year, and the remaining plants were commissioned in summer 2022.

“Project management was handled professionally by Solarigo, and the project manager was often present on-site. We never had to wait — we always knew what was happening and what was required from us. Logistics were coordinated down to the day, ensuring ISKU’s operations were not disrupted by the project,“ says Dahlbom.

Grand opening of the solar plant

In autumn 2022, ISKU organized an inauguration ceremony for invited guests and the press. Attendees included media representatives, the Mayor of Lahti Pekka Timonen, Permanent Secretary Juhani Damski, Minister Ville Skinnari, and guests invited by ISKU and Solarigo. Solarigo presented both the solar power plant and solar energy in general at the event.

The inauguration drew attention not only in local Lahti news but also nationally, including coverage on YLE Areena.

ISKU
We make everyday life in Finland more comfortable and functional. We design, manufacture, and sell furniture, provide interior solutions for homes and public spaces such as schools, offices, and healthcare facilities, and offer related services such as design and recycling. We manufacture our furniture in Finland but deliver it worldwide — with sales organizations in 15 countries and project business across the globe.

www.isku.fi