Ullevaal Stadium, Norway’s national football arena, holds a lesser-known star attraction – 1,242 vertical solar panels stretching across its roof. These aren’t your typical flat panels. They’re bifacial, meaning they have two active sides, and they’re installed vertically. This unique configuration makes them particularly effective in colder, less sunny regions, generating up to 20% more energy than traditional tilted panels.
In June 2024, Ullevaal Stadium became home to the world’s largest vertical solar panel installation on a roof, showcasing the growing potential of this innovative technology. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of the Norwegian startup, Over Easy Solar, which developed these panels specifically for challenging climates.
While it might seem counterintuitive not to tilt solar panels directly towards the sun, research reveals that vertical bifacial PV panels outperform traditional models in energy generation. Scientists at the Dutch research organisation TNO explain this phenomenon: tilted panels tend to overheat in strong sunlight, leading to decreased performance. Vertical panels, however, remain cooler, maximizing their energy output.
The stadium’s ambitious goal is to generate at least 250,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, enough to power 71 households for a year. Their choice of vertical panels is strategic, maximizing energy production during shorter winter days when electricity prices are higher.
Beyond their energy efficiency, vertical solar panels offer other advantages. They’re easier to install, lighter, and less costly than traditional panels. The panels also benefit from the albedo effect, where snow reflects sunlight onto their surfaces, boosting energy production. In contrast, horizontal panels require frequent cleaning and maintenance after snowstorms, interrupting energy generation.
The success of vertical solar panels extends beyond Ullevaal Stadium. Over Easy Solar has installations across 11 European countries, including Spain and Switzerland. The company observes that these panels perform well in southern regions too, particularly when combined with reflective surfaces commonly used to reduce heat absorption.
This shift towards vertical solar panels is a sign of a broader movement towards sustainable energy solutions. Public venues like London’s O2 Arena and Turkey’s Sabancı University are embracing renewable energy, reducing their environmental impact and operational costs.
The demand for efficient and space-saving solar solutions is growing beyond public venues. Vertical panels can be seamlessly integrated into urban environments, complementing green roofs, noise barriers along highways, and even farms. Their smaller footprint allows for optimal utilization of space, minimizing shading and maximizing energy production.
Vertical solar panels represent a significant step in the energy transition. They have the potential to help the European Union achieve its renewable energy goals, stabilize energy prices, and ensure greater energy security. While they may not entirely replace traditional panels, they are a valuable addition to the energy landscape, offering a promising solution for a more sustainable future.
