In this report, we explore the conditions for Norway to engage in the production and use of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, both nationally and globally. To analyze the Norwegian conditions, we perform an innovation system analysis of the Norwegian PV industry to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Following regulations for the Norwegian solar PV industry is critical. The supply companies acknowledge that any equipment that is delivered to Norway should be translated in a Scandinavian language with a Norwegian user manual for installation. Other regulations refer to CO2 footprint.
With regards to general social acceptance of PV in Norway, a survey executed by Kantar, shows that a large proportion (89%) of the Norwegian population are positive towards solar energy as an energy source, which is rated higher than other renewable energy technologies such as wind power (Kantar, 2020).
The Norwegian solar energy industry is highly varied with both national and international activities across the PV value chain. Based on interview and survey results we group the firms in three groups; downstream national, downstream international and upstream.
For example, the Norwegian water resources and energy directorate (NVE) has stated that PV contributing with 7TWh to the Norwegian electricity system by 2040 could be realistic (Lie-Brenna, 2021). The roadmap for the Norwegian PV industry suggests 2-4 TWh by 2030, provided 20-30% annual growth rates (FME-SUSOLTECH & Solenergiklyngen, 2020).
Norwegian firms are involved in project development, operation and maintenance and/or ownership of large utility scale PV plants, as well as sales and installation of decentralized solar home systems or “pico” solutions, such as solar lamps or PV powered devices used in agriculture.