A leading solar energy researcher says Norway is missing out on significant economic and environmental gains by not accelerating its solar power adoption. Solar panels remain underutilized in Norway compared to European neighbors, despite the country's high electricity prices and abundant daylight during summer months.
Tomas Moe Skjølsvold, a researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, argues that Norway should adopt policies similar to those in Germany and the Netherlands. These countries have seen rapid growth in solar installations after introducing favorable feed-in tariffs and tax incentives. Norway currently lacks direct financial support for home battery storage systems, which limits the appeal of solar investments for households.
The Norwegian government has focused on wind energy and hydropower but has not prioritized solar power expansion. Skjølsvold notes that solar energy could reduce pressure on the grid during peak demand periods, especially in urban areas. He also highlights the potential for solar farms in southern Norway, where sunlight hours are comparable to parts of Germany.
Critics point out that Norway's current electricity prices make solar panels less financially attractive. However, Skjølsvold counters that long-term savings and reduced reliance on imported energy could outweigh initial costs. He suggests that even without subsidies, solar installations would benefit from lower installation costs and increasing efficiency of panels.
The government has not announced plans to introduce new solar incentives. Skjølsvold calls for a national strategy to align Norway with European solar trends, warning that delayed action risks leaving the country behind in the transition to renewable energy.
Source: tu.no