Norway to simplify small-scale solar connections

The Norwegian Energy Regulatory Authority (NVE) is proposing a simplified connection process for small renewable generation facilities, including solar PV systems.

NVE refers to the proposed change, aimed at existing grid customers in low-voltage distribution networks, as an ‘inform and install’ process.

It requires a customer or installer to inform the grid company of a planned installation. The grid company will then assess if the connection is operationally sound and notify the customer in writing within one month of any concerns. 

If the grid company does not do so within the one month deadline, the proposed change allows the customer to install and use the facility and consider the permit as granted. 

“This gives customers a clearly defined right to rapid clarification, and a better basis for deciding on investments in local production,” NVE’s update says. “The aim is to make it easier and more predictable to establish local, renewable generation without compromising delivery quality and grid operation.”

The updated process is expected to apply to systems with an installed capacity of up to 6 kW for single-phase connections and up to 11 kW for three-phase connections. NVE says the limit applies per metering point, including where several end users share a connection point, such as multi-family homes. 

“We are ensuring that most typical household installations are covered, while also limiting the risk of voltage problems in the network” explained Torfinn Jonassen, NVE section manager. “This will make it easier for households, housing associations and other end customers to use, for example, solar cells.”

A consultation document has been published and is open for comments until November 20.

Earlier this month, Norway surpassed 1 GW of installed solar capacity. However, deployment rates have slowed in recent times, with the 43 MW of solar added across the first seven months of 2026 representing the slowest growth since 2021.

Analysts have largely attributed the market contraction to a drop in residential installations, which have been almost at a standstill, largely due to Norway’s fixed electricity price for households, known as the Norgepris, removing most of the residential payback case.

Earlier this year, the Norwegian Parliament ordered a study on a guaranteed minimum price for building-mounted solar power exported to the grid. Speaking to pv magazine earlier this month, Hassan Gholami, a senior consultant on solar and storage at Multiconsult, said the outcome “will largely decide whether homeowners return to the market.”