Contrary to the stereotype that the Arctic is not a place for photovoltaics, Norway has launched a project in Tromsø that changes its focus: the largest vertical solar system in the world installed on a roof. With the modules in an upright position, the northern sun is used, and snow is no longer a hindrance.
World record in Tromsø: 6.400 vertical panels
Manufacturer and operator agree that this is the largest vertical plant on a flat roof, surpassing the previous record of Oslo's Ullevaal Stadium, which had 1.200 VPV units. The project involved Enøk Total (integration and assembly) and Ishavskraft and Sparebank1 Nord-Norge (promotion and financing).
The building, which consumes a lot of electricity due to its cold rooms, transforms a previously passive space into a local energy asset. Both the owner, Tromsøterminalen Eiendom AS, and the main tenant, Tromsøterminalen AS, hope to reduce energy purchases and gain stability in costs.
Logistics were a factor in the choice: the system is lightweight (11 kg/m²), allows for easy operation between rows, and was installed in a short time. According to the company, Three people completed the assembly in four days without major works on the deck.
Beyond Norway, interest is growing: deployments are being considered in Germany, Canada and Finland, Especially in industrial and logistics roofs where wind, snow and complex sun angles limit conventional systems.
Why they work vertically in the Arctic
Tromsø alternates between the 'Midnight Sun' in summer and the 'Polar Night' in winter, with months when the star barely rises. At these latitudes, the radiation hits very obliquely and traditionally inclined panels lose efficiency.
Comparative data cited by the company indicate that, compared to traditional configurations that would be around 485 kWh per panel per year in the region, the vertical arrangement provides up to 55% additional (about 750 kWh per year).
In the winter months, the advantage is magnified: with bright sunlight and clean surfaces, generation can be multiplied three or four times that of tilted units. Furthermore, the vertical position prevents accumulation of snow and dirt, promotes more constant production and reduces cleaning needs.
Although it was developed for harsh climates, the idea is also being tested in temperate latitudes. Over Easy Solar has measured the performance of a cluster on a rooftop Elche (Spain) and uses in roads, agrovoltaic projects or facades are studied, evaluating shade, wind and regulations in each case.
With vertical bifacial modules, lightweight structures and a unique location, Tromsøterminalen demonstrates that there is still room to extract solar value where it seemed difficult. The milestone—1.600 VPV, 6.400 panels and 320 kWp— serves as a reference for rooftops in demanding latitudes seeking clean energy without complex construction work.
