Is solar power a viable option in Norway?

Norwegian hydropower is currently so cheap that power companies do not consider it attractive to build solar power plants in Norway. In recent years, however, companies have started selling or leasing solar systems to private customers and businesses in Norway. Despite the low energy prices, solar power is growing rapidly in Norway.

How much does power cost in Norway?

The mean annual Norwegian power price from the Monte Carlo simulations is estimated to be 39 ± 4 €/MWh and long-term price levels below 23 €/MWh or above 50 €/MWh seem highly unlikely in an average weather year.

Is solar PV a good option for the future Norwegian power market?

Solar PV has an average market value as low as 20 ± 3 €/MWh. Despite low LCOE estimates, solar PV does not look like an attractive option for the future Norwegian power market, given our model assumptions.

Why is solar power growing in Norway?

Despite the low energy prices, solar power is growing rapidly in Norway. In 2016 four times as much capacity was installed as the year before, mostly on commercial buildings and private homes connected to the grid. Norwegian companies are also important players in the production of crude silicon and silicon wafers for the solar cell industry.

Why is the power market important in Norway?

The power market in Norway was deregulated in 1991, when few countries had market-based power systems. The market is now a fundamental element of the Norwegian power supply. Electricity prices provide long-term investment signals and play an important part in short-term balancing of supply, demand and transmission.

What is the market value of Norwegian hydropower?

The market value of Norwegian hydropower is driven by the same parameters as the average Norwegian electricity prices, which is unsurprising since hydropower represents approximately 75% of the total Norwegian electricity production. The average market value for onshore wind in Norway is 32 ± 4 €/MWh, corresponding to a value factor of 0.80.