Kolkata/Helsinki, 13 September 2017 – The first photovoltaic installation at an airport in Scandinavia has been installed at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. The 312 kWp system at the Finnair cargo centre, has been constructed with solar modules from Tier 1 manufacturer Vikram Solar. The system was installed by system integrator Finnwind Oy, one of the most experienced pv- installer companies in Finland & Vikram Solar’s strategic partner in Finland. The PV-system is expected to supply 280,000 kWh of power in average per year.
Press photos are available here:
https://www.vikramsolar.com/photos/nggallery/press-photos/Finnair
Davide Marro, Head-Sales (Europe), Modules, said “The modules used for these types of projects must meet exceptional quality standards. We are pleased that a renowned airline like Finnair turned to our partner Finnwind Oy and chose Vikram Solar modules.”
On top of being especially efficient and durable, PV installations at airports need to comply with the safety requirements of aviation. The glass used in the Vikram Solar modules in Helsinki is equipped with an anti-reflection coating (ARC glass), which absorbs more than 94% of incident light, thereby reducing the risk of glare for air traffic at and around the airport.
Improving the energy efficiency of its facilities is a part of Finnair’s sustainability strategy. Sustainable development was a key consideration in building the new cargo terminal, and the building’s sustainability features will earn the terminal “very good” level in BREEAM sustainability certification.
“Sustainability is important for Finnair Cargo customers, as well as their customers”, says Janne Tarvainen, Managing Director of Finnair Cargo. “Our new cargo hub features advanced automation technology and has temperature controlled areas for eg pharmaceuticals and other perishable products, and the solar plants support the energy efficiency of the terminal.”
“Quality, performance and durability of the solar panels were key criteria for choosing Vikram Solar and Finnwind for this project” Tarvainen adds.
The certification body DNV GL has added Vikram Solar modules to the “top performer” list for 2017. This distinction is based on long-term testing, including the module’s resistance to dynamic mechanical loads. Such cyclic pressure loads are caused by factors such as wind and snow, which are common in Finland.
About Finnair
Finnair flies between Asia, Europe and North America with an emphasis on fast connections via Helsinki, carrying close to 11 million passengers annually. In 2017, Finnair’s extensive network connects 18 cities in Asia and 7 cities in North America with over 100 destinations in Europe. The airline, a pioneer in sustainable flying, was the first European airline to fly the next-generation, eco-smart Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and it is the first airline listed in the Leadership Index of the worldwide Carbon Disclosure Project. The only Nordic carrier with a 4-star Skytrax ranking, Finnair has also won the World Airline Award for Best Airline Northern Europe for the past eight years running. Finnair is a member of oneworld, the alliance of the world’s leading airlines committed to providing the highest level of service and convenience to frequent international travellers.
About Vikram Solar
Vikram Solar is a leading solar energy solutions provider, specializing in high efficiency PV module manufacturing and comprehensive EPC solutions. With international presence 5 continents, the company is an active contributor in shaping the solar revolution. Carrying forward the extensive manufacturing experience of the Vikram Group, Vikram Solar, since 2006, is building on a 4-decade-old success story. Vikram Solar’s annual PV Module production capacity stands at 1 GW. Being a Tier 1 PV module manufacturer (Bloomberg ranking), the company’s products are designed to the highest standards of quality, reliability and performance. As a fully forward- integrated Solar EPC contractor, Vikram Solar deploys world- class technology to design, install and commission solar projects worldwide.
