70 MWp solar power plant in Simo connected to the grid – the first solar park in Finnish Lapland

Solar electricity production has now started at the first utility-scale solar park in Finnish Lapland. Solarigo Systems Oy designed and built the massive 70 MWp solar park in Simo for Exilion Oy / Simon Aurinkopuisto Ky. The project is one of Finland’s first hybrid power plants: a model that’s set to become increasingly common.

Is solar power viable in the north?

Located in the municipality of Simo, the park is one of the northernmost industrial-scale solar projects in Europe. Despite common assumptions, northern Finland offers excellent conditions for solar energy production. Proximity to the sea plays an important role as Simo sits right on the coast of the Bothnian Bay.

“Solar power plants located along the Finnish coast typically generate 10–15% more energy than those built inland, thanks to fewer cloudy days,” says Antti Koskelainen, CEO of Solarigo Systems Oy.

“While Lapland has long, dark winters, it also enjoys the midnight sun in summer. Around midsummer, solar power generation continues almost around the clock, balancing out the lower production in winter,” he adds.

The northern conditions were carefully considered during both design and construction. Solarigo optimized the project by scheduling installation work requiring fine manual precision for the summer months, while heavy machinery work was carried out in winter, when the ground was frozen.

Hybrid power means major synergies

Solarigo’s client for the project is Exilion’s Simon Aurinkopuisto Ky. The new solar park forms a hybrid energy complex together with Exilion’s wind farms – combining solar and wind power with battery storage.

This is Finland’s first industrial-scale project where solar, wind, and storage are all connected in one system. The hybrid model offers strong resource and cost efficiencies, as the same grid connection is used for all three renewable energy sources.

“There’s significant potential to complement existing wind power capacity in Finland with large-scale solar,” says Koskelainen. “It’s economically smart to utilize existing grid connections and substations in hybrid projects.”

“When battery storage is added to balance production fluctuations, the hybrid setup becomes even more profitable, providing diversified revenue streams throughout the year.”

Solarigo’s largest project to date, strengthening Finnish solar PV expertise

In the coming decade, the demand for clean electricity will grow sharply as industries electrify and new data centers come online.

“Despite recent global challenges, we still have a long way to go in mitigating climate change. Expanding renewable energy production remains essential,” Koskelainen notes.

The Simo solar park is the largest project in Solarigo’s history and was completed mainly by Finnish companies. The construction process provided valuable experience in delivering large-scale solar projects under demanding northern conditions.

This project has significantly strengthened Finland’s solar energy expertise. Solarigo’s designers, project managers, installers, and subcontractor network all developed their skills further. Coordinating a project of this scale requires seamless collaboration between multiple partners to keep schedules on track and avoid errors.

Antti Koskelainen, CEO, Solarigo Systems Oy

“When a project of this magnitude is completed successfully, it means everyone has done an excellent job and worked toward a shared goal. My warm thanks to our client, subcontractors, and the entire Solarigo team,” Koskelainen concludes.

Project facts: Simo solar park

• Solarigo’s largest single solar power project to date – including design, construction, and operations & maintenance.
• Total project duration: ~3 years, of which construction took about 1.5 years.
• At peak times, over 100 people worked on site simultaneously.
• 120,000 solar panels installed.
• Estimated annual production: ~65,000 MWh.
• Commercial operation expected to start in November 2025.
• Connected to the Fingrid national grid.
• Client: Exilion Oy / Simon Aurinkopuisto Ky.
• Total investment: approx. €40 million.
• Received €8.9 million in investment support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, as part of the EU’s Next Generation EU funding.

Further information:
Antti Koskelainen, CEO, Solarigo Systems Oy
Tel. +358 40 726 7673 / antti.koskelainen@solarigo.fi