Solar power in Norway

Solar power is rapidly growing both nationally and internationally, and has the potential to make up a substantial part of Norway's energy mix. We have extensive experience in assisting renewable energy producers, coupled with practical experience in solar power development. Here, we have gathered some of our resources and insights on what is needed to successfully realize the potential for solar power in Norway.

project development
licensing process
The team

Immense potential for solar power

To achieve the Energy Commission’s ambitious goal of 40 TWh of new power production by 2030, solar power must play a central role. With a technical potential of 30 TWh for solar energy alone, combined with our expansive land area, Norway is well poised to significantly increase its solar power capacity. However, the removal of regulatory barriers is a crucial step to unlock this potential.

The Fastest Growing Energy Source

The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has, in its 2025 long-term power market analysis, indicated that rooftop and ground‑mounted solar power could produce 10 TWh by 2050. Globally, solar power is on the rise, a trend emphasized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) which considers solar energy as the fastest growing energy source. This is due in part to the rising demand for renewable energy and generally reduced production costs for solar cells.

License requirements for solar power plants above 10 mw

Previously, the construction of solar power plants required a license under the Energy Act where the developer or the local grid company had to install high-voltage equipment (voltage above 1 kV) to connect the plant to the grid. However, with effect from 1 July 2025 a new provision regulating when the development of solar power plants requires a license entered into force. Onshore solar power plants with an installed capacity below 10 MW are no longer subject to licensing; such projects are to be handled by the municipality in accordance with the Planning and Building Act.

Concurrently, the option to grant a license for a solar power plant with the effect of a national (state) plan was removed. There is currently no requirement for area zoning (områderegulering) of solar power plants.

First Ground mounted Solar Power Plant

In May 2022, the granting of a concession for the Furuseth solar power plant in Stor Elvdal municipality in Innlandet county marked a significant step towards expanding solar power in Norway. As the country's first land-based solar power plant, Furuseth solar power plant has been authorized to generate electricity equivalent to the consumption of over 300 households, with a total capacity of about 6.4 GWh.

Subsequently, a number of licences for the construction of solar power plants have been granted. Most recently, in June 2025, Energeia AS was granted a licence to construct the Seval Skog solar power plant in Gjøvik Municipality. The solar power plant will incorporate a battery energy storage system for intermediate electricity storage, thereby rendering the plant partially dispatchable.

New arrangement for sharing renewable electricity

At the end of June 2025, the Ministry of Energy announced a new arrangement for (virtual) sharing renewable electricity in commercial areas (Nw: næringsområder), scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 2026. The sharing arrangement permits businesses located within the same commercial area to share the electricity they produce. Total installed capacity of the production facilities participating in the sharing arrangement must not exceed 5 MW (AC) within a commercial area. Renewable electricity that is produced and shared within the same commercial area will be exempt from the electrical power tax and from the energy component of the grid tariff. The arrangement is intended to provide incentives for renewable power generation on already developed sites, primarily in the form of rooftop solar installations on commercial buildings.

Our Contribution

Thommessen has extensive experience advising renewable power producers and closely monitors developments in the solar power sector. We engage in a range of issues central to realizing the solar power potential in Norway, assisting power companies, project developers, banks, and investors with everything from concessions and contract management to transactions and structuring. With the right support and investments, we believe that the potential for solar power in Norway can be fully realized, significantly contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals. Feel free to contact us if you want to learn more about how we work with solar energy and the opportunities in this market.

From key personnel at Scatec to Partner at Thommessen

Snorre Valdimarsson served as General Counsel and was part of the executive management at Scatec for 14 years, before joining Thommessen as a partner in 2023. Snorre has structured, developed, financed, built, operated, and sold over a hundred infrastructure projects across four continents – a unique experience we leverage in our work with solar power projects.

Learn more about Snorre here

Project development in solar power

With comprehensive experience in developing solar power projects both nationally and internationally, we possess deep knowledge of what is critical for a project’s success. To ensure smooth progress without unnecessary delays or additional costs, it is of great importance to operate with parallel processes both before and after the investment decision is taken. Here, you’ll gain an insight into our project model, from initial identification of opportunities to operational electricity production.

Broad expertise

Our strength lies in leveraging expertise across the firm. We assemble tailor-made teams with specialized knowledge in regulatory, financial, tax, and operational aspects.
Right decisions from the start

Experience has taught us that making the right decisions early on simplifies and expedites the project. Conversely, not starting early enough can lead to delays and escalating costs later on.
Parallel processes

It's essential to work with parallel processes from day one to ensure that the project can be easily financed, realized, and later sold.

The solar power licensing process

With effect from 1 July 2025 solar power plants with an installed effect of 10 MW requires a license entered into force. Onshore solar power plants with an installed capacity below 10 MW are no longer subject to licensing; such projects are to be handled by the municipality in accordance with the Planning and Building Act. We summarize the different steps in the licensing process as it is today.