Unlocking Solar Power Opportunities in the Åland Islands

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Åland Islands (Åland)

Capital: Mariehamn

Total Population: Approximately 30,000 (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: The Åland Islands are an autonomous and demilitarized region of Finland, located in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland. The archipelago consists of around 6,700 islands and skerries, though most of the population is concentrated on the main island of Fasta Åland.

Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.

Table of Contents

Solar Irradiation Data in Åland Islands (Åland)

Due to its northern latitude, the Åland Islands experience strong seasonal variation in sunlight. However, during the spring and summer months, solar potential is excellent, offering long daylight hours that make solar energy highly viable for part of the year.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

  • Annual Solar Irradiation: Around 2.5 to 3.5 kWh/m²/day

  • High Irradiation Periods: Late spring and summer (May to August), with nearly 20 hours of daylight at the peak of summer

  • Peak Irradiation: Up to 5.0–5.5 kWh/m²/day during the brightest summer months

While winter months offer limited solar production, seasonal energy planning can make solar a reliable contributor to the islands’ renewable energy mix.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in the Åland Islands, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Åland Islands (Åland)

  • Average Annual Temperature: Cool maritime climate, with annual averages around 4°C to 8°C (39°F to 46°F)

  • Impact on Solar Panels: Cool temperatures are advantageous for solar panel efficiency, especially during the long summer days

Recommendation: Use high-efficiency monocrystalline panels optimized for low-light performance and install at steeper angles to capture low-lying sun during the shoulder seasons.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Åland Islands (Åland)

  • National Energy Demand: The Åland Islands have a modest energy demand, driven by residential needs, tourism, and small-scale industries

  • Grid Infrastructure: The islands have their own local energy company (Ålands Elandelslag) and are connected to mainland Finland and Sweden via submarine cables

  • Opportunities from Global Events: Åland is working toward energy self-sufficiency goals, with solar seen as a key part of local renewable energy expansion

Preferred System Type in Åland Islands (Åland)

  • Grid-Connected Systems: Best suited for homes, hotels, marinas, and municipal buildings on the main islands

  • Off-Grid Systems: Useful for remote cottages, holiday cabins, and small outer islands where grid extension is costly

  • Hybrid Systems: Combining solar, battery storage, and existing grid connections to ensure year-round reliability

Dust and Sand Factor in Åland Islands (Åland)

  • Dust and Sandstorms: Negligible dust levels due to clean air quality and frequent rainfall

  • Recommendation: Minimal cleaning is needed; natural rain keeps panels relatively clean

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Åland Islands (Åland)

  • Humidity Levels: Moderate to high humidity, typically between 70–90%, with consistent rainfall throughout the year

  • Impact on Solar Panels: High humidity can affect panel connectors and frames if not properly protected

  • Recommendation: Install weatherproof systems with anti-corrosion treatments to ensure longevity

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Åland Islands (Åland)

  • Saltwater Corrosion: Given the proximity to the Baltic Sea, salt-laden winds can cause mild corrosion over time

  • Recommendation: Use marine-grade aluminum racking and stainless steel fasteners to protect systems near the coast

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Åland Islands (Åland)

The Åland Islands, through cooperation with Finland and EU initiatives, support renewable energy:

  • Sustainable Åland Initiative: Targets carbon neutrality and local energy production expansion, with solar included

  • Solar Subsidies: Finnish national programs and local grants are available to support residential and small business solar projects

  • EU Funding Support: Åland benefits from EU energy transition programs, promoting renewable and decentralized energy systems

  • Microgrid Pilots: Åland is home to several smart microgrid and energy storage pilot projects, integrating solar into innovative island systems

ROI on Solar Systems in Åland Islands (Åland)

  • ROI Period: Solar installations typically achieve ROI within 7–10 years, depending on system size and use of self-consumption models

  • Long-Term Savings: Users can offset up to 60–70% of annual electricity costs, especially when paired with energy storage

Conclusion on Solar Power in Åland Islands (Åland)

In the Åland Islands, resilience and sustainability are more than buzzwords — they are essential ways of life for a community surrounded by the sea. While winter brings dark months, the bright and long summer days open a window of opportunity for solar energy to make a real, tangible impact on household bills, carbon footprints, and energy independence.

Solar is not just about capturing the summer sun — it’s about building smarter grids, reducing imported electricity dependency, and creating a cleaner, more self-sufficient future for the islands. Solarvance offers durable, weather-adapted solar systems, perfect for Åland’s maritime environment and seasonal needs.

Solar systems can relieve reliance on costly diesel shipments, provide resilient power for remote farms and research stations, and complement the islands’ growing wind energy base. Solarvance understands the unique challenges posed by the Falklands’ cool, windy, and salty environment — and we’re ready to deliver reliable, durable solar solutions that thrive under these conditions.

Let’s work together to bring reliable, high-performance solar power to the Åland Islands — empowering every home, harbor, and community across the archipelago.

Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System

Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.

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