The Risti solar energy park (244 MW) in Estonia is the first stage of the largest energy park being built in the region by Sunly and Metsagrupp. Construction of the park will begin in the second quarter of this year and is due to be completed in early 2026.

The 244 MW solar energy park, made up of almost 350,000 solar panels, can supply 55,000 households with the electricity they need each year. Innovative solar panels increase the park’s productivity, while its advantageous location and technical solutions make the Risti solar park a highly efficient power station. Once completed, the Risti solar park will be the largest solar energy park in the Baltics.

As the head of Sunly Estonia, Klauss Pilars, points out, Sunly and Metsagrupp regard the Risti solar park as part of a broader plan. “For us this is the first major example of a hybrid park project, where different types of electricity generation and storage sit behind a single connection point.” K. Pilars explained that in the case of the Risti park it was considered more expedient to start with the construction of the solar energy park. At the next Sunly energy parks, a wind park will most likely be built first, followed by further options for increasing generation and for storage.

The Risti solar energy park was developed in close cooperation with local communities. Sunly will pay part of the solar energy park’s revenue into the budget of the Risti local authority, thereby supporting the development of the whole region. For example, at a rate of 50 euros per MWh, the payment would be around 75,000 euros a year. Once the entire energy park is complete, Sunly will offer the public cheaper electricity.

According to the mayor of the Lēnes-Nigulas local authority, Janno Randmā, the solar energy park creates an opportunity to introduce renewable energy in the region more affordably and gives businesses (those already located there or wishing to start up there) the chance to produce more affordably and in a more environmentally friendly way.

The mayor of the Risti local authority, Reins Krūsmā, highlighted the excellent cooperation with Sunly and Metsagrupp during the preparatory stage of construction. “In these important discussions we found ways to reduce the various impacts on Risti residents, and we reached agreements that will support the local authority’s residents in the future,” said R. Krūsmā.

In order to maximise energy generation, great emphasis was placed on technological innovation during the planning of the Risti solar energy park. Solar trackers adjust the panels in line with the direction of the sun, ensuring higher output in the morning and evening hours, when electricity consumption is greater.

Construction of the Risti solar park will begin in the second quarter of 2024. In the first stage, the panels and the components needed to build the park will be ordered. In the second stage, work will begin on constructing the substation. Construction of the Risti solar park is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. The cost of the solar energy park being built by Sunly and Metsagrupp is almost 120 million euros.