Norwegian Politicians Propose Legalizing Plug-In Solar And Battery Systems
Members of the Green Party seek to remove regulatory barriers to allow households to connect small-scale renewable energy systems directly to standard power sockets.
Six members of Norway’s Green Party (MDG) serving in the national parliament, the Storting, have introduced a proposal to legalize and simplify the use of plug-in solar and battery technology. Currently prohibited in Norway, these systems could help households lower electricity bills, manage grid demand, and provide essential power during emergency situations, according to the proposal.
The initiative urges the government to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and unnecessary restrictions by the end of 2027. Key recommendations include allowing systems that meet safety standards to connect directly to grounded sockets, creating a national guide for safe usage, and establishing a digital registration scheme. The proposal also suggests developing national technical standards to ensure electrical and fire safety, as well as grid conformity.
To incentivize adoption, the politicians have requested that the government investigate a VAT exemption for residential solar and battery systems by October 1, 2027. The proposal highlights that Norway could learn from the experiences of countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, where balcony solar installations are already permitted.
The push for plug-in systems comes as Norway’s solar deployment rate has slowed, with 2026 expected to record the lowest annual growth since 2021. Analysts suggest that the residential market has been particularly affected by the Norgepris, an optional fixed electricity price that reduces the financial appeal of rooftop solar. While the country’s cumulative solar capacity recently exceeded 1 GW, the Norwegian Energy Regulatory Authority (NVE) has also been working on a simplified connection process for small renewable facilities to encourage further adoption.
