Solar collectors play a key role in local energy solutions
KSM-Lämpötekniikka, which Kaukomarkkinat acquired in the fall of 2010, is a pioneer in the use of solar energy. It was the first company to introduce advanced vacuum tube collectors to Finland. Its next-generation collectors are about one third more efficient than earlier models.
Finland receives a relatively high amount of solar radiation annually, about 1,000 KWh per square meter. In parts of Central Europe, for example, radiation falls short of this. “Solar energy can currently be used to heat all or part of household water from March to October,” says Jari-Pekka Lehmuskoski, Business Director of Kaukomarkkinat. Water heating is a major application for solar energy, as it accounts for about 30–40 percent of household energy consumption.
Solar energy is also excellently suited for use in radiant floor heating systems and to round out property central heating systems.
The energy efficiency of properties can be boosted substantially with solar energy, biomass boilers, and other local energy solutions. For instance, housing corporations can replace their traditional oil boilers with a combined system comprising a pellet boiler, solar collectors, and energy accumulators. Local energy solutions also serve as a good complement to electrical heating. There is a growing market for these solutions in both renovation and new construction.