Polaria

Although the implementation model was a first for both companies, the project was successfully completed thanks to precise planning and a skilled installation team, requiring only moderate resources from the client. I recommend working with Solarigo and encourage other companies to choose a solution that benefits both the environment and employees.

Timo Karhula, CEO, Polaria

Solar energy as part of sustainability efforts

Polaria became interested in solar energy as it supports the company’s sustainability strategy. The company strives to source materials and services locally whenever possible, and locally produced green electricity fits this vision perfectly.

Building a solar power plant at the factory, however, posed challenges: there was no suitable land area available, and rooftop installation was complicated by numerous extensions to the factory building built at different times.

In addition, it was important for Polaria that the plant be large enough to make a meaningful impact on the factory’s electricity consumption.

Flexibility was the key to success

Since a suitable location could not be found on the roof or on adjacent land, Solarigo’s design team solved the challenge with a proposal to construct three carports and install the solar power plant on top of them. During the pilot project’s design phase, the solution was flexibly adjusted — for example, the steel structures of the plant were eventually sourced from a domestic supplier.

“The cooperation has been smooth, with flexible communication between the project and installation teams. Issues have been resolved directly and efficiently, always working towards the common goal. Even the project’s aftercare has been handled professionally,” explains Polaria’s CEO, Timo Karhula.

Today, the solar plant covers up to one-third of Polaria’s factory electricity consumption in Mäntyharju during the summer and about 10% of annual consumption overall.

As a manufacturing facility, Polaria’s energy use varies significantly between weekdays and weekends, which means that particularly in summer, some of the solar power produced cannot be used on-site during weekends.

To ensure that all produced clean energy is fully utilized, Solarigo’s parent company, Lumme Energia, provided the solution: Lumme purchases the surplus electricity from Polaria’s solar plant and supplies it to its customers as renewable solar power.

A sustainability act welcomed with enthusiasm

Polaria’s various stakeholders have welcomed the solar power project positively. Sustainability measures are consistently important to Polaria’s customers and support the responsibility targets of other stakeholders. At the same time, employer leadership in environmental matters is increasingly valued. In addition, Polaria’s employees now enjoy the practical benefits of the carports, which provide protection both from heavy winter snow and the blazing summer sun.

Polaria Oy is a Finnish company that develops, manufactures, and markets water-resistant bathroom furniture and accessories. For over 50 years, Polaria has produced durable bathroom products designed to withstand everyday use, wear, and attention — such as mirror cabinets, sink cabinets, and accessories. All products are manufactured at the company’s factory in Mäntyharju.

www.polaria.fi

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