Nokian Tyres has installed a solar power array on the roof of its logistics center in Pirkanmaa, Finland, which boasts the highest power output for a rooftop-mounted plant in the province.
A total of 3,160 solar panels spanning 17,000m2 (an area roughly the size of two soccer fields) combine to produce an output of over 1,100kW, which provides the logistics center with power for lighting and ventilation. The installation was constructed by Solarigo Systems and is estimated to generate around 990,000kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to 50 electrically heated homes.
“Nokian Tyres has long had the goal of increasing the use of eco-friendly energy,” commented Teppo Huovila, vice president, quality and sustainability, Nokian. “Last year, all of the electricity purchased for our Nokia factory already came from renewable sources. The development of solar panel technology has made solar panels more cost-efficient.”
However, this is not the first time the tire manufacturer has harnessed the power of the sun for sustainable power, alongside the Nokia facility, solar power plants have been installed at the company’s US factory and at a new testing center in Spain.
“There is a major push toward wind and solar power in Finland right now, so it is natural for Nokian Tyres to be involved,” added Huovila. “Solar power generates zero emissions and is also quiet, which makes it friendly to the nearby environment as well.”
Nokian Tyres was the first company within the tire industry to receive official approval for company global warming mitigation targets from the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative. The use of renewable solar energy is a part of the reduction of CO2 emissions generated from the company’s own operations.
