In recent years, solar energy has become an increasingly important part of Europe's energy mix. Interest is also growing rapidly in Norway. Although the country already has a high proportion of renewable energy through hydropower, both authorities and industry players point out that solar energy can play a much larger role in the years to come – especially on the roofs of commercial buildings.
Large roof areas, stable technology, and rising electricity prices make commercial buildings one of the most natural arenas for further development of solar power in Norway.
Large roof areas – great energy potential
Commercial buildings such as warehouses, industrial buildings, shopping centers, office buildings, and logistics buildings often have large and relatively flat roof areas. These areas are ideal for solar cell installations.
Many of these roofs are currently unused, while at the same time representing significant areas for local energy production. By installing solar panel systems on the roof, businesses can produce electricity where it is used – without utilizing nature or new areas.
Several analyses show that roof areas alone can contribute a significant share of future solar power production in Norway.
Good production – even in a Nordic climate
A common misconception is that solar energy performs poorly in Norway. In practice, modern solar panels are well adapted to Nordic conditions.
Solar cells produce electricity from daylight – not just direct sunlight. At the same time, cooler climates often lead to better efficiency in the panels, because solar cells perform best at lower temperatures.
In large parts of Norway, a solar panel system can produce 900–1000 kWh per installed kW per year, making the technology economically attractive for many buildings.
Overlap between production and consumption
For commercial buildings, one of the biggest advantages is that energy production often coincides with energy demand.
Solar panel systems produce the most electricity during the day – precisely when office buildings, shops, warehouses, and industry have their highest electricity consumption. This means that a large part of the electricity can be used directly in the building.
This provides several advantages:
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reduced electricity bill
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less need for purchased energy from the grid
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better utilization of local energy production
For many businesses, this can also contribute to more predictable energy costs over time.
An important part of the future energy system
Norway faces an increasing demand for electrical energy in the coming years, partly due to the electrification of transport, industry, and society.
Solar energy can help relieve the power grid by producing energy close to consumption. At the same time, solar panel systems on buildings can help to spread energy production geographically.
This makes solar power an important supplement to existing power production.
New European requirements may lead to increased development
In the EU, new rules have now been adopted through the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which, among other things, means that many new commercial buildings must have solar energy installed.
Although Norway is not a member of the EU, it is expected that parts of the regulations will be incorporated into Norwegian legislation through the EEA agreement.
This could contribute to an increase in solar energy development on buildings in Norway in the coming years as well.
An untapped resource
Solar energy represents one of the most accessible and space-efficient energy sources we have. For commercial buildings, the potential already exists – on roof surfaces that are largely unused today.
With proper planning, these areas can become an important part of the future energy system.
For many businesses, solar energy is therefore not just about sustainability, but also about smart energy use, lower costs, and better utilization of their own buildings.