Sunly has started construction of the Risti Solar PV Plant, a 244MW project in Estonia that will become the largest solar park in the Baltics. With a €125 million investment, it integrates solar energy, battery storage, and wind power, thereby marking a significant milestone in Estonia’s energy transition.
Risti Solar PV Plant: Estonia’s Renewable Energy Breakthrough
Sunly — an independent power producer based in Estonia — has begun construction of the Risti solar PV plant, a 244MW project that will become the largest solar park in the Baltics. Located in Lääne County, the facility will begin operations in fall 2026. It will provide electricity to approximately 55,000 households, greatly expanding Estonia's solar capacity. This project will be more than triple the size of the country's largest existing solar park, thus marking a significant step in Estonia's energy transition.
The Risti solar PV plant represents an investment of €125 million. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Sunly to hybridise renewable energy solutions across the Baltics and Poland. In August 2023, Sunly secured €300 million in funding from Scandinavian and French investors to develop a 1.3GW renewables portfolio. The Risti project is a flagship development in this portfolio, integrating solar energy with battery storage and wind power.
The facility will include a 144MW battery energy storage system, enhancing grid stability and ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Sunly is also planning to install nine wind turbines at the site, although the combined capacity of these turbines has not yet been disclosed. This hybrid approach underscores Sunly’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions that address fluctuating energy demands.
Benefits for Local Communities
The Risti solar PV plant is not only a technological advancement but also a significant economic boost for local communities. Sunly has entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with the Lääne-Nigula municipality, ensuring the community will receive 0.6% of the solar park’s revenue. At an estimated rate of €0.05 per kilowatt-hour, this could translate to approximately €75,000 annually over the project’s 25-year lifespan.
In addition to financial benefits, the project will contribute to infrastructure development in the region. If wind turbines are added to the site, Sunly plans to offer discounted electricity to nearby residents, further strengthening ties with the community.
The Risti solar PV plant aligns with Estonia’s goal of achieving greater energy independence and sustainability. By combining solar energy with battery storage and wind power, the project will stabilise electricity prices, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance the country’s energy resilience.
Priit Lepasepp, CEO of Sunly, emphasized the importance of integrated hybrid solutions in addressing energy challenges. He highlighted how projects like Risti can ensure stable electricity prices for consumers while advancing Estonia’s transition to green energy.
Regional Solar Trends
Despite limited land availability in the Baltics, the region has seen a surge in solar energy investments. Faster project development compared to more mature European markets has driven interest in solar PV. Recent advancements include a 77.53MW solar park in Pärnu County, which was briefly the largest in the Baltics before the Risti project was announced.
Sunly is also expanding its hybrid renewable energy portfolio beyond Estonia. In Latvia, the company has started constructing a 225MW solar portfolio consisting of three parks. These facilities will integrate solar PV with battery energy storage systems, showcasing the potential of hybrid solutions across the region.
The Risti solar PV plant is a landmark renewable energy project that reflects Estonia’s commitment to sustainability. Combining innovative design and a community-focused approach, it sets a benchmark for future green energy initiatives. As the largest solar park in the Baltics, it will play a pivotal role in Estonia’s energy landscape by 2026, providing power to thousands of homes while advancing the goal of a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
The Risti solar PV plant highlights the transformative potential of renewable energy in addressing global challenges while delivering local benefits. It is a step forward for Estonia and an inspiration for the Baltics and beyond.