Sunly has started construction on the Risti Solar PV Plant, a 244MW project in Estonia poised to become the largest solar park in the Baltics. The €125 million investment will integrate solar energy, battery storage, and wind power, 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 on the Risti solar PV plant, which will be the largest in the Baltics upon completion. Located in Lääne County, the facility is scheduled to begin operations in fall 2026 and will provide electricity to approximately 55,000 households.
At more than triple the size of the country’s largest existing solar park, the project substantially expands Estonia’s solar capacity and represents a major leap forward in the nation’s energy transition.
Representing a €125 million investment, the Risti solar PV plant is part of a broader strategy by Sunly to hybridize renewable energy solutions across the Baltics and Poland. In August 2023, Sunly secured €300 million in funding from Scandinavian and French investors to develop its 1.3GW renewables portfolio. The Risti project is a flagship development within this portfolio, designed to integrate solar energy with battery storage and wind power.
The facility will include a 144MW battery energy storage system to enhance grid stability and ensure a continuous power supply. Sunly also plans to install nine wind turbines at the site, although their combined capacity has not yet been disclosed. This hybrid approach showcases Sunly’s commitment to developing renewable energy solutions that can manage fluctuating energy demands.
Benefits for Local Communities
Beyond being a technological advancement, the Risti solar PV plant promises a significant economic boost for local communities. Sunly has entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with the Lääne-Nigula municipality, through which the community will receive 0.6% of the solar park’s revenue. At an estimated rate of €0.05 per kilowatt-hour, this could generate approximately €75,000 annually for the community over the project’s 25-year lifespan.
The project will also contribute to infrastructure development in the region. If wind turbines are added, Sunly plans to offer discounted electricity to nearby residents, further strengthening its ties with the community.
The Risti solar PV plant aligns with Estonia’s national goal of achieving greater energy independence and sustainability. By combining solar, battery storage, and wind power, it is designed to stabilize 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, the Baltic region has seen a surge in solar energy investments. Interest in solar PV has been driven by faster project development cycles compared to more mature European markets. 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 spread across three separate parks. These facilities will also integrate solar PV with battery energy storage, showcasing the growing potential of hybrid solutions throughout the region.
The Risti solar PV plant is a landmark renewable energy project that reflects Estonia’s commitment to sustainability. With its innovative design and community-focused approach, it sets a new 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, powering thousands of homes while advancing the country’s transition to a cleaner energy system.
The Risti solar PV plant highlights the transformative potential of renewable energy to address global challenges while delivering local benefits. This project is a major step forward for Estonia and a model for the Baltics and beyond.
