Norway, famed for its stunning landscapes and immense hydropower, has the potential to install 31 GW of solar PV on its buildings. A recent study explores the significant opportunities and complex challenges of incorporating this vast capacity into the national grid.
Unveiling the Solar Potential
Building on its reputation for abundant hydropower, Norway is poised for a major advancement in renewable energy. A recent study suggests the country could deploy 31 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV across its buildings. This research highlights not only the opportunities but also the challenges of integrating this solar power into the national grid—a move that could drastically transform the nation’s energy landscape.
Image: Collected
Spearheaded by Hassan Gholami, a consultant for Norway’s Multiconsult, the research meticulously evaluates the feasibility of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on walls and rooftops throughout the country.
Using hourly electricity demand data from 2013 to 2021, PV system simulations, and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, the study estimates a staggering 87 GW of technical potential for solar power on buildings. Norway’s eastern region, including the capital city of Oslo, showed the highest potential for solar PV installations. However, the research goes beyond these technical calculations to explore the practicality of integrating such a large solar capacity into Norway’s existing electricity grid.
Integrating Solar Energy into the Grid
The study suggests that up to 36% of the technical solar potential—around 31 GW—could be integrated into the national power system. This level of integration would align well with Norway’s electricity consumption patterns, ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply.
“Integrating photovoltaic capacity up to 36% of the calculated capacity, which will be 31 GWp allows smooth incorporation of solar power into the grid, effectively matching production with consumption. Within this range, the grid efficiently absorbs the generated solar energy, ensuring stability and sustainability,” the research paper explains.
However, the study also cautions against exceeding this threshold. Beyond 31 GW, the disparity between solar production during peak times—particularly in summer—and actual consumption could lead to energy losses or necessitate exporting excess power. This highlights the need for careful planning and coordination among policymakers and grid operators to effectively balance solar generation with demand.
Even with 31 GW of integrated solar power, the research indicates this would still fall short of Norway’s annual energy consumption of 132 TWh, as the estimated solar production would only be about 65 TWh. Therefore, solar energy must be supplemented by other renewable sources like hydropower to meet overall demand and support Norway’s renewable energy goals.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
Norway’s solar energy sector has already shown promising growth. The country’s cumulative installed solar PV capacity reached 597 megawatts (MW) by the end of 2023, with the successful connection of two large-scale PV plants driving this significant increase. Authorities attribute this record growth to rising interest and investment in solar projects.
Several companies are now actively pursuing utility-scale solar PV projects across Norway, with many at various stages of the approval process. A comprehensive overview of these projects, reflecting the robust activity in this burgeoning sector, is available on the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate’s (NVE) website.
“A compelling forecast indicates that several of these entities are poised to realize their first utility-scale solar PV sites by the conclusion of 2025, ushering in a new era of solar energy deployment in Norway,” Gholami said. The potential to deploy 31 GW of solar power on its buildings presents a transformative opportunity for Norway’s energy sector. While this capacity alone will not meet all of the country’s energy demands, it represents a significant step toward its renewable energy goals. By integrating solar with existing sources like hydropower, Norway can reinforce its position as a leader in renewable energy adoption.
