To main content

SolKit

A toolkit for sustainable integration of solar cells in the Norwegian built environment

Contact person

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) provide a double win by generating renewable energy while replacing traditional building materials.

BIPV functions both as a protective outer layer and as an environmentally friendly, cost-effective alternative to conventional solar cells. Despite this, BIPV remains a niche market in Norway.

Project objectives

The main objective of SolKit is to facilitate increased use of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in the Norwegian built environment, with a particular focus on local climate and sustainability challenges.

The project will develop specialized knowledge and methods that cover both technical conditions and practical integration challenges at multiple levels – from individual components to entire buildings and neighbourhoods.

Sub-objectives

  • Strengthen the technical understanding of BIPV performance, with a focus on energy production, durability and lifespan in Norwegian climate conditions.
  • Perform heat and moisture analyses of BIPV systems and define best practices for design adapted to Norwegian conditions.
  • Analyze BIPV integration at the neighborhood level to support large-scale implementation and strengthen energy resilience.
  • Assess environmental and cost impacts of BIPV systems through life cycle analyses.
  • Develop a user-friendly assessment tool for BIPV, adapted to different stakeholder groups.

Key facts

Partners

SINTEF Community, NTNU, Isola (incl. Isola Solar), Norgeshus, Balkongentreprenøren, Statsbygg, OsloBygg, Fremtidens Industri, Kopparn Utvikling, Solenergi Norge, Hassel Solar, Energipartner and Ørland municipality.

Funding

The Research Council of Norway (12 MNOK) and the partners (4 MNOK).
The project is a competence-building project for the business sector (KSP-K).

Project duration

2025 - 2029

Explore research areas