Pöyrynwattila

Project

Solarigo

Project details

Location
Hirvensalmi, Finland

Capacity
5 MWp

Panels
9 200

Investment
~3 M€

Land area
8.6 ha

Phase
Production

Project description

The Hirvensalmi Solar Park project, a solar park comprising 9,000 bi-facial solar panels with an approximate capacity of 5 MWp, was implemented on the north side of the municipality’s center. The project area was approximately 8.6 hectares in size. The solar park can be utilized as part of Hirvensalmi’s climate program. Project company Järvi-Suomen Aurinko Oy has agreed to a 20-year land lease agreement for the project area with Hirvensalmi municipality.

Fences and service roads were built around the park. The park does not affect the nearby outdoor trails.

The solar park’s investor is Järvi-Suomen Aurinko Oy, which is a project company founded by Suur-Savon Sähkö Oy. Solarigo Systems Oy serves as the EPC contractor for the park, and Lumme Energia sells the solar electricity generated.

At Pöyrynwattila solar park, we have piloted agrivoltaics with 100 sheep grazing in the park. Read more about combining solar and agriculture.

Project progress

Q2/2022

Development

The project area was specified to the northern side of the town. A geotechnical survey confirmed that the ground in the area is suitable for construction. An environmental study was conducted for the project, and its results have been considered in the implementation. Following a case-by-case assessment by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY), an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required for the project.

Q1/2023

Zoning

A zoning amendment was made for the project, which was available for public viewing and comments on the Municipality of Hirvensalmi’s online service.

Q1/2023

Public event

A public event about the project was held for local residents on March 21, 2023. The event was attended by representatives of the Municipality of Hirvensalmi, Suur-Savon Sähkö, and Solarigo, as well as local residents.

Q4/2023

Construction

The town zoning change, which was a prerequisite for the project’s implementation, became legally binding on November 10, 2023. Solarigo Systems Oy made an investment decision on the project and started construction of the solar park in December 2023. A fence and roads were built around the solar park. The surrounding wall is landscaped, so the effect on the overall appearance is minimal. The park does not affect the nearby outdoor trails.

Q2/2024

Production

Hirvensalmi Solar Park was put into production on June 26, 2024. It produces approximately 4.5 MWh of renewable solar electricity annually.

Q3/2024

Sheep

Solarigo is piloting solar agriculture in Hirvensalmi, where the same area is used for solar electricity production and agriculture. In cooperation with a local sheep farmer, the experiment proved successful, and in the future, approximately 100 sheep will be responsible for mowing the solar park during the summer months.

Q3/2024

Opening ceremony

Solarigo, Hirvensalmi municipality, and Lumme Energia organized an opening ceremony for the solar park. At the open-to-everyone event, crepes and coffee were served, the result of the naming contest was announced as “Pöyrynwattila,” performances by preschoolers were seen, and speeches were heard. In addition, elementary school students visited the park. There were about 200 participants. The participants also had the opportunity to pet the sheep.