On behalf of Oslo’s Department of Culture and Sports (Kultur og Idrettsbygg Oslo KF) Abmas Elektro has installed a photovoltaic system with 212.22 kilowatt (kW) power on the Bislett stadium in Oslo. The installation with Panasonic modules HIT on the famous stadium is supposed to have a signal effect for more climate protection in Norway. It was put into operation at the end of June this year. The solar energy of about 150,000 kilowatthours (kWh) per year will be completely used in the stadium.
Signal for more PV on public buildings
“The government has committed itself to cut CO2 emissions by 40% before 2030”, says Jan Erik Johansen, general manager at Abmas Elektro. “This PV installation is one of the first steps and an important signal towards this goal. The stadium is a national landmark and when this type of installation is possible here, it is possible to be done everywhere on stately owned buildings.” Abmas Elektro is located in Oslo and is specialised in electric installations in commercial buildings and offers photovoltaic installations and solar battery systems too.
Stadium with a long tradition
The Bislett stadium has a long tradition. The original stadium was built between 1917 and 1922. Several championships took place here, for example the European Athletics Championship in 1946 and the Olympic Winter Games in 1952. In 2004, the old stadium was replaced by a new one. It has a soccer stadium and an athletics site. 3,500 of 15,400 seats are roofed.
In summer time, the ventilation and cooling of the buildings need a lot of electricity. The lighting uses lots of electricity as well, particularly the indoor running site but also the flood lights in the stadium.
New module frame for higher wind and snow loads
The photovoltaic plant with 654 Panasonic modules HIT N325 consists of two parts which are installed on the Eastern and Western side of the stadium. The modules are installed on the tribune roofs. Due to the installation on the flat roofs it was possible to position them in an optimal direction towards East and West.
On the tribune roofs the space is scarce. “Therefore our customer wanted modules with high efficiency which produce lots of solar energy at a reasonable price”, says Johansen. That is why they chose Panasonic modules HIT. Another advantage of the modules HIT N325 is the new frame with 40 mm strength. It is accredited for wind and snow loads of up to 5400 PA. Thus the modules are suitable for the higher wind load at that height but also for bigger snow loads in Oslo in winter time.
Preference for high quality and efficiency
Another reason for choosing these high efficiency modules are the voluntary tests Panasonic takes. Their results are a further proof for the higher mechanical strength. Also the modules HIT did not show any microcracks in the electroluminescence tests. “Electroluminescence tests are not part of the obligatory wind and snow load testing. The fact that Panasonic submits its module to this test as well as the positive results enhance trust in the quality Panasonic assures its customers”, says Johansen.
Challenging installation
Regarding the installation the logistics have been a challenge. The stadium in the centre of Oslo is surrounded by buildings. Therefore the delivery and the transport of the components up on the roofs with lift trucks and a crane had to be well terminated and coordinated.
Abmas Elektro ordered the modules from Solar Technologies Scandinavia which is one of the leading photovoltaic distributors in Norway and a partner of Panasonic Eco Solutions Europe. In cooperation with Solar Technologies Scandinavia, Abmas Elektro has installed PV systems of about three megawatt (MW) power in the last three years.
Norwegian PV market with expected 35% growth
“The photovoltaic market in Norway is in the startups but we expect a high growth”, says Johansen. In 2017 17 MW PV power were installed in the country. Experts forecast an increase of 35% each year in the next three to five years. The flagship project on the Bislett stadium could have its share in it. (HCN)
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More useful information:
http://www.pveurope.eu/News/Solar-Generator/More-and-more-stadiums-go-solar-subsidy-free
https://www.pveurope.eu/solar-modules/scandinavia-north-calls-quality
