My on-grid solar installation in Norway is connected to the public electricity grid. Electricity generated by the solar panels is used directly by the property whenever possible. When production exceeds local consumption, surplus electricity is exported to the grid. When solar production is insufficient, electricity is automatically imported from the public network.
In Norway, households that both generate and consume electricity are commonly known as plusskunder (prosumers). My installation is connected to the distribution network operated by Elvia. Surplus electricity is sold through an agreement with my electricity supplier, while Elvia manages the grid connection, metering and applicable network tariffs.
One of the main advantages of my on-grid installation is that I can generate my own electricity without needing a battery bank. During sunny periods, solar production reduces the amount of electricity I need to purchase. During cloudy weather, at night and throughout the darker winter months, the public grid supplies the additional electricity required.
However, a conventional on-grid system depends on the availability of the public electricity network. For safety reasons, the solar inverter automatically shuts down during a grid outage, meaning that the installation cannot provide backup power unless additional equipment specifically designed for this purpose is installed.
From my own experience, an on-grid system offers a practical balance between local electricity production, relatively simple operation and the reliability of the public electricity network.
Components of My On-Grid Solar Installation
My grid-connected solar installation is mounted on the roof of my garage in Norway. The system consists of 24 Jinko Solar panels, each rated at 395 W, providing a total installed solar panel capacity of 9.48 kWp (kilowatt-peak).
The panels are connected to a Solis 10 kW three-phase grid-connected inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) suitable for use in the property and for exporting surplus electricity to the public grid.
I also purchased three additional Jinko Solar panels as spares. These are not included in the installed capacity, but provide replacement panels should any of the original panels become damaged or need replacing in the future.
The following table lists the main components and mounting materials purchased for my installation.
| Quantity | Component |
|---|---|
| 24 | Jinko Solar JKM395M-54HL4-B solar panels (1.72 × 1.13 m, 395 W each) |
| 3 | Additional Jinko Solar panels (spares, not installed) |
| 1 | Solis 10 kW three-phase grid-connected inverter (IT_4G) |
| 1 | Solis plug-in Wi-Fi monitoring stick |
| 24 | Black aluminium mounting rails, 2,200 mm |
| 16 | Rail connectors |
| 88 | Shingle roof mounting kits, horizontal type |
| 56 | Black end and mid clamps, 30–46 mm |
| 5 | MC4 male/female connector sets |
| 100 m | Solar DC cable, 1 × 6 mm², black |
| 1 | Solar panel system label sheet |
| 1 | Building identification sign |
| 1 | Black end cap |
The mounting rails, connectors and clamps secure the solar panels to the garage roof. The DC cables and MC4 connectors provide the electrical connections between the solar panel strings and the inverter.
The Solis Wi-Fi monitoring device enables remote monitoring of the inverter through the Solis monitoring platform, allowing me to follow electricity production and review historical performance.
This table represents the main equipment and materials purchased for the installation. It is not a complete electrical design or installation specification. Additional electrical protection, isolation, earthing and grid-connection requirements must be assessed and implemented by a registered electrical installation company in accordance with applicable Norwegian regulations.
Technical Specifications of My Solar Panels
My on-grid installation uses 24 Jinko Solar JKM395M-54HL4-B solar panels, each with a rated maximum power output of 395 W. Together, they provide an installed DC capacity of 9.48 kWp under standard test conditions (STC).
When selecting the panels, I considered their electrical characteristics, physical dimensions, efficiency and suitability for Norwegian weather conditions. These factors are particularly important in a climate where solar production varies significantly between summer and winter.
The following manufacturer’s technical diagrams and specifications provide detailed information about the panels, including their electrical performance, dimensions, operating characteristics and mechanical properties.
These specifications are also important when designing the solar panel strings and ensuring compatibility with the inverter’s voltage and current limits.
Mounting Solar Panels on My Garage Roof
My garage roof is covered with Icopal bitumen-based roofing material. Installing solar panels on this type of roof requires particular attention to the mounting system, roof penetrations, waterproofing and the structural loads imposed by the panels.
The solar panels are supported by aluminium mounting rails, which are secured to the underlying roof structure using suitable mounting brackets and fixings. The mounting arrangement must withstand wind uplift, snow loads and other environmental stresses while maintaining the weather resistance of the roof.
One of the most important considerations is ensuring that the mounting points do not create a risk of water penetration. This is particularly relevant in Norway, where roofs must withstand rain, snow, freezing temperatures and repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
The following photographs and technical illustrations show the mounting components and installation arrangements associated with my garage solar installation. They illustrate how the mounting rails, brackets and panel clamps work together to support and secure the solar array.
The illustrations are intended to explain the construction and principles of the mounting system rather than serve as a complete installation guide. Roof fixing methods, waterproofing details and structural requirements must always be assessed for the particular roof and mounting system.
Electrical connections, protective devices and commissioning must be carried out by a registered electrical installation company in accordance with applicable Norwegian regulations.
The following photographs show the installation of the solar panels on my garage roof, using a horizontal (landscape) panel orientation.
The panels are mounted with their longer sides running horizontally, supported by aluminium mounting rails and roof brackets designed for the roofing structure.
The photographs illustrate the mounting arrangement, attachment points and installation process on my Icopal bitumen-covered roof.
Solar panels before installation. A total of 27 panels were purchased, of which 24 were installed on the garage roof and three retained as spares.
L-shaped mounting brackets used to secure the aluminium mounting rails to the garage roof. A total of 88 brackets were installed, with 44 on each side of the garage.
Mounting clamps used to securely fasten the solar panels to the aluminium support rails.
Solis Inverter in My On-Grid Solar Installation
My on-grid solar installation uses a Solis 10 kW three-phase inverter to convert the direct current (DC) generated by the 24 Jinko solar panels into alternating current (AC) suitable for use in my property’s electrical installation and for exporting surplus electricity to the public grid.
The solar panels have a combined rated capacity of 9.48 kWp, while the inverter has a nominal AC output capacity of 10 kW.
The inverter continuously monitors the electrical characteristics of the solar panels and uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology to optimise energy production under changing sunlight and temperature conditions.
Connection to the Norwegian 230 V IT Network
My property is connected to the Norwegian 230 V three-phase IT electricity network, operating at a nominal frequency of 50 Hz. My Solis 10 kW inverter is specifically designed for this type of grid connection.
Unlike the 400/230 V TN systems commonly used in many other European installations, my system operates with a nominal voltage of 230 V between phases.
The inverter synchronises its output with the grid voltage, frequency and phase relationships, allowing solar electricity to supply the property and surplus energy to be exported to the public network.
As solar production increases, the inverter can supply more electricity to the property’s electrical installation, within its operating limits. When solar production is insufficient, additional electricity is automatically imported from the public grid.
Installation and Commissioning
The installation of a grid-connected inverter involves several important stages, including mechanical mounting, electrical connections, protective equipment, system configuration and final commissioning.
The main considerations include:
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Inverter location: The inverter must be installed in a suitable location with adequate ventilation, appropriate environmental protection and sufficient clearance for cooling and maintenance.
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Mechanical mounting: The inverter must be securely attached to a suitable supporting structure in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
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DC connections: The solar panel strings must be correctly designed and connected, taking account of voltage limits, current ratings, polarity, cable sizing and appropriate DC protection.
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AC grid connection: The inverter must be connected to the property’s electrical installation using correctly specified cables, protective devices and isolation arrangements suitable for the Norwegian 230 V IT system.
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Grid configuration: The inverter must be configured with the appropriate Norwegian grid settings and protection functions, including voltage and frequency limits and anti-islanding protection.
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Inspection and commissioning: Before operation, the installation must be inspected and tested. This includes verification of electrical safety, protective functions, inverter operation and compliance with the relevant grid-connection requirements.
Grid Protection and Power Outages
An important feature of my Solis inverter is its grid protection system.
If the public electricity network fails, the inverter automatically disconnects and stops supplying power. This safety function, known as anti-islanding protection, prevents the solar installation from energising a disconnected section of the public grid.
Consequently, even when the solar panels are exposed to sunlight, my conventional on-grid installation cannot continue supplying the property during a grid outage.
This is an important difference between my on-grid installation and my independent off-grid system.
In my off-grid property, electricity remains available as long as the solar panels, batteries or other energy sources can supply the required loads. In contrast, my on-grid system depends on the public electricity network being operational.
Monitoring and Energy Production
My Solis inverter is equipped with a plug-in Wi-Fi monitoring device, allowing me to monitor solar electricity production remotely through the Solis monitoring platform.
This provides useful information about the inverter’s operating status, current power output, accumulated energy production and historical performance.
I find monitoring particularly valuable for comparing production between different seasons and identifying unusual changes in system performance.
In Norway, the difference between summer and winter solar production can be considerable. Long summer days can provide substantial electricity generation, while short winter days, low solar elevation and snow-covered panels significantly reduce production.
By following the monitoring data, I can better understand how my installation performs under real Norwegian weather conditions.
Important Safety Information
Grid-connected solar installations involve potentially hazardous DC voltages and electrical connections to the public electricity network.
Solar panels can generate electricity whenever sufficient light is present, even when the AC supply has been disconnected. For this reason, the DC side of a solar installation must always be treated with particular care.
In Norway, electrical installation work on solar PV systems must be carried out by a registered electrical installation company with appropriately qualified personnel, in accordance with the applicable regulations.
The installation must also comply with relevant electrical standards, grid-connection requirements and the inverter manufacturer’s instructions.
The information presented here describes the general principles of my installation and is not intended as a step-by-step guide for carrying out electrical installation work.
Solis 10 kW three-phase grid-connected inverter, designed for the Norwegian 230 V IT electricity network.
View of my garage and solar panel installation from the north-east.
Winter Performance of My On-Grid Solar Installation
Solar panels can operate successfully in cold climates, including Norway, where winter conditions bring snow, ice, low temperatures and short daylight hours.
Although solar panels are designed to withstand significant mechanical loads, their resistance to snow depends on the specific panel model, mounting arrangement and structural design.
In my own on-grid installation, the 24 Jinko Solar panels are mounted on my garage roof. Snow accumulation and reduced winter sunlight are important considerations when evaluating the system’s performance throughout the year.
Snow Loads and Norwegian Requirements
Norwegian buildings must be designed to withstand snow loads appropriate to their geographical location, altitude, roof geometry and exposure.
Snow-load calculations are based on NS-EN 1991-1-3 (Eurocode 1) and its Norwegian National Annex. There is no single minimum snow-load rating that applies universally to every solar panel installed in Norway.
Solar panel manufacturers specify mechanical load ratings, normally expressed in pascals (Pa). An important distinction must be made between the load used during laboratory testing and the maximum load permitted in structural design.
For example, a solar panel with a mechanical test load of 5,400 Pa may have a corresponding design load of 3,600 Pa when a safety factor of 1.5 is applied.
Example of a mechanical load rating:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Mechanical test load | 5,400 Pa |
| Safety factor | 1.5 |
| Maximum design load | 3,600 Pa |
| Equivalent uniformly distributed mass | Approximately 367 kg/m² |
These values are illustrative and must not be assumed to apply to every solar panel.
The actual permitted mechanical load depends on the manufacturer’s specifications, including the approved mounting positions and support arrangements.
It is equally important to remember that the complete roof structure, mounting rails, brackets and fixings must be capable of withstanding the relevant snow and wind loads.
Snow Accumulation and Solar Production
Snow affects solar installations in two different ways: it adds mechanical weight to the roof and reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the solar cells.
A thin layer of snow may allow some light to reach the panels, but thicker snow cover can reduce electricity production considerably or stop it almost entirely.
Snow may slide off inclined panels when temperatures rise or sunlight warms exposed surfaces. However, this depends on roof inclination, panel frames, snow conditions and the surrounding temperature.
Panels with a low inclination may retain snow for longer periods, particularly during extended freezing conditions.
Cold temperatures themselves are not necessarily a disadvantage for solar panels. Photovoltaic cells generally operate more efficiently at lower temperatures, provided sufficient sunlight reaches the cells.
In Norway, the main limitations during winter are usually short daylight hours, low solar elevation, cloud cover and snow accumulation rather than low temperatures alone.
My Experience with Winter Operation
Operating solar installations in Norway has made me particularly aware of the difference between summer and winter electricity production.
During the summer months, long daylight hours can provide substantial solar generation. In winter, production is considerably lower, especially when snow covers the panels or the sun remains low above the horizon.
My on-grid installation has the advantage that electricity can always be imported from the public network when solar production is insufficient, provided the grid is operating normally.
This is an important practical difference from my off-grid installation, where energy storage and careful consumption management become particularly important during the darkest months.
Snow Removal and Safety
Removing snow from solar panels is not always necessary or advisable.
Snow often disappears naturally as weather conditions change. Attempting to remove it manually can damage the glass, frames, electrical connections or roof covering.
Sharp tools, excessive mechanical force and unsafe access to snow-covered roofs should always be avoided.
Where snow accumulation presents a structural risk, the situation should be assessed by qualified professionals. Snow removal must consider both personal safety and the manufacturer’s instructions for the panels and mounting equipment.
Further Reading
For readers interested in the technical aspects of snow loading and winter solar production, the following resources provide additional information:
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Standard Norway – Snow Loads – Norwegian roof snow-load requirements and geographical variations.
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IEC 61215-2 – Photovoltaic Module Testing – International testing procedures for solar photovoltaic modules.
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US Department of Energy – Solar Photovoltaic Hardening for Winter Weather – Mechanical loading, snow shedding and winter resilience of photovoltaic systems.
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Solar Panel Layout Configurations
Solar panels can be installed in different arrangements depending on the available roof area, roof geometry, orientation and mounting requirements. The two most common configurations are landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical).
The choice of layout can affect how efficiently the available roof space is used, as well as the positioning of mounting rails, attachment points and the spacing between panels.
Horizontal (Landscape) Panel Layout
The following technical illustration shows a horizontal (landscape) arrangement, where the longer sides of the solar panels run horizontally.
This is the configuration I selected for my garage installation, which consists of 24 Jinko Solar panels.
The layout must also take account of the manufacturer’s mounting instructions, structural loads, ventilation and suitable clearances around the panels. The following diagram illustrates the horizontal (landscape) arrangement of the solar panels on my garage roof:
The following diagram illustrates how electricity generated by the solar panels is supplied to the property’s electrical installation, with any surplus electricity exported to the public grid.
Solar electricity generation during daylight hours, with surplus electricity exported to the public grid when household consumption is zero.
Conclusion
Installing a grid-connected solar energy system can reduce the amount of electricity a household or business needs to purchase from the public grid. Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC), which an inverter converts into alternating current (AC) suitable for use in the property’s electrical installation.
During periods of strong sunlight, locally generated electricity can supply a significant proportion of the property’s immediate energy requirements. When production exceeds consumption, surplus electricity can be exported to the public grid under an appropriate agreement with an electricity supplier.
My own installation consists of 24 Jinko Solar panels with a combined rated capacity of 9.48 kWp and a Solis 10 kW three-phase inverter connected to the Norwegian 230 V IT electricity network.
Operating this installation has provided me with valuable practical experience of solar electricity production, seasonal variations, grid interaction and the economics of generating my own electricity.
The Financial Benefits
The financial value of a solar installation depends on several factors, including the initial investment, annual electricity production, household consumption patterns, electricity prices, network tariffs and the compensation received for exported electricity.
One of the most important considerations is how much of the solar electricity is consumed directly within the property. Self-consumption reduces the amount of electricity purchased from the grid and can therefore reduce both electricity costs and certain variable network charges.
Surplus electricity exported to the grid also has financial value, but the compensation received may differ from the total cost of purchasing electricity.
For this reason, maximising self-consumption can be an important part of improving the economics of a grid-connected solar installation.
In my own system, the Solis monitoring platform provides information about electricity production throughout the year. By comparing production data with household electricity consumption and grid imports and exports, it is possible to evaluate how effectively the installation contributes to reducing electricity costs.
The Environmental Impact
Solar panels generate electricity without burning fossil fuels during operation. This makes solar energy a low-emission source of electricity over its operational lifetime.
However, solar panels are not entirely free from environmental impacts. Manufacturing the panels, producing materials such as silicon, aluminium and glass, transporting equipment and eventually recycling or disposing of components all involve energy consumption and environmental effects.
These impacts should be considered when assessing the complete lifecycle of a solar installation.
In Norway, where much of the electricity already comes from hydropower, the environmental benefits of additional solar generation depend partly on how it interacts with the wider Nordic and European electricity systems.
Nevertheless, rooftop solar installations can make productive use of existing building surfaces and contribute to a more diversified renewable electricity supply.
Selling Surplus Electricity in Norway
In Norway, households that both consume and generate electricity are commonly referred to as plusskunder, or prosumers.
My solar installation is connected to the distribution network operated by Elvia. Elvia is responsible for the local electricity network, metering and applicable network tariffs.
The electricity I export to the public grid is sold through an agreement with my electricity supplier. In addition, Elvia provides compensation for the contribution of exported electricity to reduced losses in the distribution network, according to the applicable network tariff arrangements.
These are two separate financial arrangements: payment from the electricity supplier for exported energy and compensation from the network operator for reduced network losses.
The smart electricity meter (AMS) records electricity imported from and exported to the public grid separately. This allows my electricity purchases and surplus electricity sales to be calculated independently.
The Norwegian arrangement differs from traditional net metering systems in which imported and exported electricity may be offset against each other on a one-to-one basis.
Electricity exported during sunny periods is not physically stored in the grid for later use by my property. When solar production is insufficient, such as at night or during cloudy weather, electricity is purchased from the public network under the terms of my electricity supply agreement.
The financial value of exported electricity depends on the agreement with the electricity supplier, market conditions and the applicable network tariff arrangements.
For further information, see the [Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) – Prosumers and Plus Customers] https://www.nve.no/reguleringsmyndigheten/kunde/stroemnettet/prosumenter-og-plusskunder/
A Long-Term Investment
A solar installation should be regarded as a long-term investment rather than a guarantee of immediate financial returns.
Modern solar panels are generally designed to operate for several decades, although their electricity output gradually declines over time. Other components, particularly inverters, may require maintenance or replacement during the lifetime of the installation.
The payback period depends on the actual investment cost, annual energy production, self-consumption, electricity prices, maintenance costs and any financial support received.
In Norway, the economics are also influenced by seasonal variations in solar production and the relationship between electricity prices and household demand.
Available financial support schemes may improve the investment case, but eligibility criteria and funding arrangements can change. Homeowners should therefore consult Enova for current information before making an investment decision.
For my own installation, I consider the ability to generate electricity locally, reduce purchases from the public grid and monitor the system’s performance over time to be important benefits.
My Final Thoughts
Having practical experience with both on-grid and off-grid solar energy systems has given me a better understanding of their respective advantages and limitations.
My off-grid installation demonstrates the importance of energy storage, careful system design and managing electricity consumption when no public grid connection is available.
My on-grid installation provides a different experience. It allows me to generate electricity locally, export surplus production and rely on the public electricity network whenever solar generation is insufficient.
Neither solution is universally better than the other. The appropriate choice depends on the property, available infrastructure, energy requirements, installation costs and the level of independence required.
I believe that solar energy is an increasingly important part of modern energy systems, not only because of its environmental advantages, but also because it enables households and businesses to participate directly in electricity generation.
For me, operating these two different installations has been both a practical investment and a valuable learning experience. The knowledge gained from designing, operating and monitoring my systems has also contributed to my work on the book Solar Energy and Energy Systems.
Further Reading – My Books on Solar Energy
My experience with a 9.48 kWp grid-connected solar installation in Norway forms part of the practical background for my books on solar energy and energy systems.
The books explain how grid-connected solar installations operate, including solar panel selection, inverter technology, electricity production, grid import and export, self-consumption and the economic benefits and limitations of solar energy.
Norwegian Edition – Solenergi og energisystemer (2026)
A comprehensive practical guide covering grid-connected solar installations, off-grid systems, battery storage, hybrid solutions, electrical safety and energy preparedness.
Read more about the Norwegian book
British English Edition – Solar Energy and Energy Systems (2027)
An expanded British English edition covering UK electrical standards, grid connection requirements, inverter technology and technical and economic comparisons between solar installations in Great Britain and Norway.