Solar power plants in Sulkava, Juva and Hirvensalmi to become hybrid parks

Solarigo is upgrading its solar power plants in Sulkava, Juva and Hirvensalmi into hybrid parks by integrating battery energy storage systems with the existing solar assets. Upgrade works are currently underway, and groundwork for the battery systems has already been completed at all three sites.

The next phase will focus on preparing the sites for battery installation and integration with the solar power plants. The systems are scheduled to be ready for grid connection in early 2027. 

Together, the three battery energy storage systems will provide 7 MW of power and 14 MWh of energy capacity. At SunSulkava in Sulkava, the battery system will have a capacity of 3 MW / 6 MWh. Soljuva in Juva and Pöyrynwattila in Hirvensalmi will each be equipped with a 2 MW / 4 MWh battery system. 

Adding battery storage brings greater flexibility to solar power generation. Electricity can be stored and used when it creates the most value for the power system and the commercial operation of the assets. Combining solar generation with battery storage can also improve project economics and strengthen the ability of the sites to respond to changing electricity market needs. 

– Solar power and battery storage complement each other well in hybrid parks. Storage adds flexibility to production and creates new opportunities for how the generated electricity can be used. We see hybrid parks as an important part of commercially sustainable renewable energy production, says Ilja Timonen, Project Manager at Solarigo.

Once the upgrades are completed, the Sulkava, Juva and Hirvensalmi sites will operate as hybrid parks combining solar power generation with battery energy storage. 

Illustration of Solarigo’s hybrid park in Kuortane, where the solar power plant and battery energy storage system form an integrated energy production solution.

Project information 

• SunSulkava, Sulkava: approximately 5 MWp solar power plant and 3 MW / 6 MWh battery energy storage system. The solar park has approximately 9,200 panels and was completed in 2023. 

• Soljuva, Juva: approximately 5 MWp solar power plant and 2 MW / 4 MWh battery energy storage system. 

• Pöyrynwattila, Hirvensalmi: approximately 5 MWp solar power plant with a 2 MW / 4 MWh battery energy storage system. The park has approximately 9,000 bifacial solar panels, and solar power production began in 2024.