Norwegian industry coalition urges Storting to fund solar expansion

A coalition of 16 Norwegian organisations has sent a letter to the Storting, the country's parliament, asking it to back the solar industry in the 2027 budget negotiations. The group is led by Fornybar Norge, a renewable industry and employer association. The letter says Norway is far off the deployment pace needed to reach the Storting's own goal of 8 TWh of solar power by 2030.

Industry context

Norway’s domestic solar sector has endured two difficult years marked by bankruptcies and layoffs. Bård Vegar Solhjell, leader of Fornybar Norge, described the coalition’s formation as rare, noting that 16 organisations spanning trade unions, business, and environmental movements have united on this issue. The letter warns that every month without action costs the industry expertise it needs for clean power, construction and business development. Solhjell said the Storting "has also set ambitious goals, but is not following up with the necessary decisions. Now the politicians must use the budget negotiations to do so."

Five budget asks

The coalition has outlined a specific agenda for the upcoming 2027 budget negotiations, focusing on financial mechanisms and regulatory mandates:

• Auction-based support for solar projects on commercial buildings.
• Expansion of electricity sharing schemes, allowing rooftop PV owners to share power with neighbours and associations.
• A mandate requiring solar panels on all new buildings and commercial structures exceeding 500 square metres.
• Enova extending its support schemes to cover residential solar installations paired with battery storage.
• Increased funding for energy efficiency initiatives managed by Enova and the Housing Bank.

Market slowdown

Norway’s cumulative solar capacity recently surpassed 1 GW, yet the pace of new installations is slowing. The annual deployment rate is declining, with 2026 projected to be the lowest since 2021. This contraction is particularly visible in the residential segment, where growth remains sluggish. Analysts attribute that partly to Norgepris, an optional fixed electricity price for households that has removed most of the financial incentive for rooftop solar.

Other policy moves

Green Party lawmakers have suggested allowing plug-in solar and battery systems by late 2027. As outlined in a previous article, the party’s official motion was posted on the Storting site in October 2026. Since the Green Party lacks representation in the present governing coalition, moving this initiative forward necessitates inter-party discussions.

Separately, the Energy Regulatory Authority has proposed a simpler connection process for small renewable generators, aimed at making it easier for households, housing associations and other end customers to use PV systems.

Who signed, and where the money would come from

The letter to the Storting also carries signatures from Norway’s Building Materials Industry Association, Electrical and IT Association, Electricity Association, Nature Conservation Association, and National Homeowners Association. Regarding the requested increase in funding for energy efficiency measures at Enova and the Housing Bank, the coalition suggests the money could originate from either the state budget or Enova’s saved funds.

Why the coalition thinks it can pass

The letter pitches solar and efficiency as rare common ground in a budget fight: "Solar power and energy efficiency, on the other hand, are areas where everyone can win, with measures that can yield gains in a short time." Solhjell added: "We agree that more solar power and energy efficiency are good for the power system, energy preparedness and consumers."