In the heart of Norway, a country renowned for its vast hydropower resources, a new study is shedding light on the potential role of rooftop solar power in the nation’s energy future. Published in the journal “Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research,” the research led by Stine Fleischer Myhre from the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) in Kjeller, Norway, explores how photovoltaic (PV) systems could reshape the Norwegian energy landscape by 2050.
Norway’s energy system is currently dominated by hydropower, but the study investigates how rooftop PV could complement this existing infrastructure under different energy transition scenarios. Using the IFE-TIMES-Norway model, Myhre and her team conducted a detailed analysis, considering the tilt and azimuth of existing rooftops across the country. Their findings reveal that, under favorable conditions, solar power could account for a significant portion of new energy investments and contribute notably to the overall electricity generation mix.
“When PV investments are facilitated, solar power can potentially stand for 56% of all new investments, resulting in a share of 10% of the total electricity generation,” Myhre explains. This optimistic scenario assumes reduced competition from onshore wind power and more favorable investment parameters, particularly a lower demand for the rate of return. The study also highlights that cost parameters act as a barrier to other solutions that could facilitate increased PV investments, such as flexibility and energy storage.
The research underscores the importance of understanding the commercial impacts of rooftop PV in a hydropower-dominated system. By conducting a thorough sensitivity analysis, the study illustrates how investment in rooftop PV varies under different system and parameter conditions. This information is crucial for energy sector stakeholders, as it provides insights into the potential barriers and opportunities for solar power in similar energy systems.
One of the key takeaways from the study is the potential for rooftop PV to reach its full potential in commercial and apartment buildings by 2050. This finding could have significant implications for the energy sector, as it suggests that solar power could play a more prominent role in the future energy mix. Additionally, the study’s emphasis on the importance of cost parameters and flexibility solutions could guide policymakers and industry leaders in their efforts to promote renewable energy investments.
As Norway continues to explore its energy transition pathways, this research offers valuable insights into the role that rooftop PV could play in the country’s energy future. By highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of solar power, the study contributes to the ongoing conversation about the best ways to achieve a sustainable and resilient energy system.