Orkustofnun Hosts Key Meetings to Streamline PV Installations

Orkustofnun organized a series of meetings to introduce grant programs, provide installation instructions, and address challenges in integrating solar power into the national grid.

The first in this series of meetings, titled "Introduction to PV-Grants," took place on January 2024 at Orkugardur, with an online option via Teams. This session targeted key stakeholders, including Iceland's major distribution companies—Rarik, HS Veitur, Orkubú Vestfjarða, Veitur, and Norðurorka—as well as Landsnet, the national grid operator, and the House and Building Agency (HMS). The meeting informed participants about newly available grants for PV projects and the opportunities these funds provided to enhance Iceland's renewable energy landscape. Participants also discussed challenges related to accessing and utilizing the grants.

Orkustofnun's HYBES activities also focused on providing clear and standardized instructions for PV installations and addressing long-standing ambiguities. A key issue had been the need for clear guidelines for integrating PV systems into the grid, whether for private use or for selling surplus power back to the grid. To tackle this, Orkustofnun hosted several meetings throughout the year. 

In May, a crucial meeting was held with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the National Energy Regulatory authorities to establish standardized installation guidelines. In June, the distribution companies and Samorka, Iceland's Association of Energy and Utility Companies, collaborated on detailed installation procedures. A broader meeting in July included PV equipment retailers, ensuring all stakeholders had access to uniform installation protocols.

Empowering Future Installers

In May 2024, Orkustofnun partnered with Verkmenntaskólinn á Akureyri, a vocational college, to explore funding opportunities for solar installation education. The collaboration aimed to create hands-on learning environments for future PV installers, which is needed to support Iceland's solar energy ambitions.

Additionally, a significant meeting with Rafmennt, the national electrician educational body, occurred at the end of September 2024. This session focused on structuring PV installation education, ensuring that future electricians and installers were well-prepared to meet the growing demand for solar energy solutions.

A Clear Path for PV Integration

According to Orkustofnun, these activities were essential in clarifying the previously confusing processes related to PV installations. Previously, various agencies often passed responsibility back and forth when asked for installation guidelines. Orkustofnun developed a more precise roadmap for installing PV systems, from private homeowners to large-scale energy producers.

The HYBES project fits into Iceland's broader renewable energy goals by addressing bottlenecks in PV adoption, creating structured educational pathways, and clarifying regulatory processes. Through these meetings and collaborations with key players across the energy and education sectors, Orkustofnun played a leading role in making solar power a viable component of Iceland's renewable energy future.