Norway is now home to the world’s largest rooftop solar panel system with vertical panels. It sits atop the national football (soccer) stadium, Ullevaal Stadion. Unlike other solar panel systems that usually take months to install, this one only took days. The system has a peak output of 248 kilowatts (kW).

The world is looking for creative ways to harvest clean energy, and the new solar panel system in Norway is the newest one. Over Easy Solar in Oslo, Norway, found the perfect combination of the site and the size of vertical solar panels to deploy rooftop solar energy quickly.

Two Peak Production

Solar panel system on top of stadium roof; Photo: Over Easy Solar

Conventional installations usually require large sites for high power output. Horizontal panels still require additional infrastructure, such as intrusive ballasts and fasteners. However, this increases the overall weight of the installation, limiting the number of solar installation sites. Vertical solar panels are relatively easier to install compared to conventional solar panels. Over Easy Solar shrinks the panel’s size, ensuring the overall installation weight is reduced by 11 kg per square meter. This makes it more convenient to install on a wide range of rooftops.

The vertical arrangement allows for a two-sided solar panel installation, which doubles the production cycle. Vertical solar panels generate more energy in a day than horizontally arranged panels. They produce 20-30 percent higher specific yield than traditional flat roof solutions. This unique installation involves 1,242 vertical solar units.

World’s Largest

Close-up of the vertical solar panel system; Photo: Over Easy Solar

The 1,242 vertical solar units make it the world’s largest vertical panel installation. These units spread across 26,900 square feet on the rooftop of the stadium. Put together, they generate 219,000 kWh of energy every year. Over Easy Solar installed their panels in the south-north direction with the orientation tilted at 20 degrees east of the south. According to the company, this enhances the performance during the winter. Still, the panels can aim for higher production because of snow’s ability to absorb solar reflection and absorb solar radiation.

Another benefit of vertical solar panels is that they remain accessible for inspection and repairs at all times. Certain parts of the panels are removable for access to the roof for repairs. While Over Easy Solar set the record for the world’s largest vertical solar panel installation, it is confident that it won’t last long. The company is confident that bigger installations are coming soon.

In a statement, company officials said, “We’re proud to present this as the largest vertical rooftop project in the world to date, but we are also certain that the record will not last long. “

Explore Tomorrow's World From Your Inbox

Get the latest science, technology, and sustainability news delivered to your inbox every week.

I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from Tomorrow's World Today. I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time.