World’s Largest Vertical Solar Roof

World’s Largest Vertical Solar Roof: Norway’s Ullevaal Stadium Sets a New Standard for Solar Energy

Norway’s Ullevaal Stadium is not just famous for hosting national football matches but also for being a pioneer in renewable energy. With 1,242 bifacial solar panels installed vertically on its roof, Ullevaal boasts the world’s largest vertical solar panel installation, marking a leap forward in solar technology. This innovative approach has proven to be particularly effective in northern regions like Norway, where sunlight is limited, especially in the colder months.

The Benefits of Vertical Solar Panels

The vertical orientation of these panels, combined with their bifacial design, helps generate 20% more energy compared to traditional tilted panels. This is crucial for regions with long winters and shorter daylight hours. The panels at Ullevaal face north-south, optimizing energy generation during peak sunlight hours, particularly in the winter months when electricity demand and prices are higher.

According to Lise Kristin Sunsby, the stadium’s real estate manager, the panels are expected to generate at least 250,000 kilowatt-hours annually, enough to power 71 households for an entire year. The installation will potentially expand to cover other sides of the roof to increase production.

Why Vertical Panels Outperform Traditional Systems

It may seem counterintuitive to position solar panels vertically instead of tilting them toward the sun. However, studies show that vertical bifacial panels avoid the overheating issues that traditional panels face. Overheated panels lose up to 1% of performance for every 2 to 3 degrees Celsius they warm up, while vertical panels stay cooler and perform better under extreme conditions. In colder climates, the snow between the rows of panels creates an albedo effect, reflecting sunlight back onto the panels and boosting energy production.

Developed by the Norwegian startup Over Easy Solar, these lightweight and efficient vertical panels can be installed more quickly and cost-effectively than their horizontal counterparts. According to Over Easy Solar’s CEO Trygve Mongstad, the ease of installation—taking just four days for the Ullevaal Stadium—makes them a practical solution for large-scale projects.

Global Applications of Vertical Solar Panels

Beyond Norway, vertical solar panels are making waves in various sectors. Countries like Germany are embracing solar balconies, and farms are using vertical panels to reduce land shading while allowing crops to grow between the panel rows. Additionally, vertical solar panels can be applied to noise barriers along highways, optimizing space while producing renewable energy.

The O2 Arena in London and Turkey’s Galatasaray Stadium are among other high-profile examples of public venues integrating solar technology into their operations. As cities and countries work toward reducing their carbon footprint, the demand for space-efficient, reliable solar solutions is growing.

The Future of Solar Energy: Vertical vs. Horizontal Panels

Vertical solar panels are not expected to fully replace traditional systems but rather complement them. A balanced mix of vertical and horizontal orientations will ensure energy production throughout the day, contributing to Europe’s goal of sourcing 42.5% of its energy from renewables by 2030.

Solar&Solar Wholesale: Your Trusted Solar Distributor

Whether you are a homeowner or a business looking for solar panels, inverters, roof structures, or energy storage solutions, Solar&Solar Wholesale is your go-to distributor for world-leading solar brands. We offer both residential and commercial quantities, ensuring that you have access to the highest quality products to meet your energy needs.

Explore our extensive selection of solar modules, inverters, and more, and join the global transition toward clean, sustainable energy.

Conclusion

Ullevaal Stadium’s vertical solar panel installation sets a new benchmark for how we can integrate solar power into large public spaces. The vertical orientation of bifacial panels not only improves energy efficiency but also makes solar installations more versatile for various environments. With companies like Over Easy Solar driving innovation, the future of solar energy looks brighter than ever.