Anti-glare coating enables first Scandinavian airport solar PV
Finnish solar company FInnwind Oy has installed a 312 kW solar power system at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, the first such installation at a Scandinavian airport. The company used PV modules from Vikram Solar for the project, which are expected to supply an average of 280,000 kWh of energy per year. To reduce the risk of glare to aircraft, the modules were given an anti-reflection coating, which absorbs 94% of incident light. They can also withstand cyclic pressure loads from wind and snow, common weather conditions in the area. The project was carried out for Finnair Cargo, which operates from the airport.
Finnwind Oy has installed a 312 kW solar PV system at Finnair cargo center, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland.

The company, one of the most experienced PV installers in Finland, used Vikram Solar’s modules for the project. It is the first ever PV installation at an airport in Scandinavia and the system is expected to supply on an average 280,000 kWh of energy per year, said a press release.

Commenting on the completion, Davide Marro, Head-Sales (Europe), Modules, Vikram Solar, 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.”

“Sustainability is important for Finnair Cargo customers, as well as their clients,” said Janne Tarvainen, Managing Director of Finnair Cargo, on the milestone. “Our new cargo hub features advanced automation technology and has temperature-controlled areas for pharmaceuticals and other perishable products, and the solar plants support the energy efficiency of the terminal.

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“Quality, performance, and durability of the solar panels were key criteria for choosing Vikram Solar and Finnwind for this project,” Tarvainen added.

The airport authority was cognizant of the safety constraints of the aviation industry in relation to PV installations at airports. To reduce the risk of glare for air traffic at and around the airport, Vikram Solar’s modules were equipped with an anti-reflection coating (ARC) glass, absorbing 94% of incident light.

Additionally, the weather conditions played a significant role in the project. The modules can withstand the cyclic pressure loads caused by factors such as wind and snow, which are common in Finland. Vikram Solar's modules passed similar testing conditions, and were credited among the “top performer” list for 2017, released by the Norway-based DNV GL.