Effects to the environment
Solar power is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of electricity generation. Solar power is an emission-free, inexhaustible, effortless and quiet way to produce clean energy. It contributes to accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels and helps attract clean industry investment to Finland.
The environmental impact of solar power is significantly affected by the location of the project. Similarly, careful planning of the location (and size) of a project can manage its environmental impact.
In the production phase, the landscape impact of solar power is only local, and the potential landscaping of a solar power plant can be done quite easily. There is virtually no noise from solar power generation, only a small amount of hum from the inverter. During the production phase, the solar power plant site remains peaceful: after the construction phase, there is hardly any traffic on the site.
For safety reasons, the solar power plant site is usually fenced off. On the one hand, this makes the area calm and suitable for plants and insects, for instance, but on the other hand, the fenced area may have an impact on the movement of larger animals. The potential barrier effects should be taken into account in the design phase of the power plant.
Solar power projects can have a positive local environmental impact. Local biodiversity can be enhanced by creating meadows, wetlands and/or heathland areas adjacent to the solar power plant.