Energy Technology

Solar Power through Doors and Windows

What do a ski tunnel, a shopping centre and housing in Pori have in common? They are all capable of utilising solar energy. Satakunta and Finland’s western coast contain a significant proportion of the Finnish companies specialising in solar power.

Finland is striving to enter the exponentially growing global solar energy market with integrated solar technology solutions. Integration refers to making the technology an imperceptible part of building structures such as windows, roofs and walls.

“A survey of renewable energy sources conducted by the Energy Technology cluster found around 50 businesses that are starting up in the sector around Finland. Unexpectedly, almost one half of them are in Satakunta,” explains Development Manager Jarkko Vuorela from Prizztech Ltd of the Satakunta Centre of Expertise Programme.

Although the renewable energy market is swiftly growing around the world, Finland is almost entirely lacking in an internal market that would boost product development. The ‘Solar Power Business through Composite Structure Pilots’ project, started up with help from the Centre of Expertise Programme, promotes product development and networking among solar energy companies, and fosters the development of the internal market required for exports.

The Energy Technology cluster’s survey identified increasing interest in using solar power on behalf of the construction industry. One of the companies that has come the furthest is Luvata Oy from Pori, whose heat-retaining copper walling will be used in the new swimming pool in Pori, among other places. The glass industry has investigated the collection of solar energy through windowpanes, for instance. Other potential players in the sector are house package factories, electrical and automation suppliers, and companies in the heating, plumbing and air conditioning sector. Many architects are also interested in the topic.

Mass production of solar cells and panels seems likely to take place in China, so Finnish companies must jump straight to the next rung on the processing ladder. Structurally integrated systems would offer a clear competitive advantage.

Summer sun to cool down ski tunnel

Prizztech has brought together companies and users interested in solar power by mapping potential sites and product development ideas in four Finnish regions. Pilot candidates and product ideas collide in seminars. The aim is to select five to ten pilot projects, in which a site requiring solar power and a company that develops suitable technology will work together to produce a replicable solution with export potential.

The modern nature of cooperation in the sector is reflected in the fact that competitors are prepared to discuss their operations in a shared seminar.

The first pilot presentation took place in Pori in May 2010. Other similar events will be held in late 2010 in Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia and Central Finland. The project has involved the entire Energy Technology cluster, with an extensive survey of renewable energy companies.

The Pori seminar allowed some companies to make presentations of potential pilot sites. These included the Jämi Ski Tunnel, where the aim is to even out the summer peak in electricity consumption using solar power. The Ulvila-based industrial plant Laite-Saraka Oy is interested in adding solar cells to the planned extension of its maintenance section. Another major project is a new shopping centre to be built in the Puuvilla area of Pori, whose contractor, Renor, has indicated an interest in solar power.

Solar energy is also suitable for residential housing. A 200-square-metre slanting, south-facing roof on a Pori-based block of flats has been found to be suitable for providing solar energy for heating up household water. A new set of terraced houses in Lottaranta, Pori, is also being equipped with slanted roofs suited to solar cells.

Savings and responsible corporate image

The project has divided suitable sites into four groups: package houses, public spaces and offices, industrial and commercial premises, and apartment blocks.

”The use of renewable energy is important for many public facilities for image reasons. The payback period can be lengthy, as long as the technology works. For example, for a shopping centre restaurant, solar power can provide a competitive edge,” Vuorela explains.

Meanwhile, residential buildings must receive quicker cost savings. Government subsidies for renewable energy have an impact on the attractiveness of solar power.

Right now there is such an abundance of ideas and interest that Vuorela strongly believes that integrated solar power solutions can be turned into export products. The most promising market at the moment appears to be Germany, where renewable energy is already used in a relatively market-oriented way.