How do we use solar energy in Denmark?

Today, we use solar energy in Denmark in two ways: in the form of rooftop solar panels that can produce heat and district heating, and solar cells that can produce electricity. Why is solar energy important?

How much solar power will Denmark have by 2050?

And according to figures from the International Energy Agency, it is expected that solar cells will be able to cover up to 25% of the world’s electricity consumption by 2050. In terms of solar heating, too, Denmark has good opportunities to increase the capacity for district heating in the coming years.

How many solar heating plants are there in Denmark?

At the end of 2017, there were 296 solar heating plants (solar heating plants with solar panel areas over 500 square metres) in operation worldwide, 111 of which were located in Denmark. Read also: Denmark at global front within solar heating. Solar heating covers approx. 2% of Denmark’s district heating production.

Will Denmark have more solar cells?

Today, researchers are working on setting up more solar cells in Denmark and finding the right combination with other renewable energy sources while using the energy smartly. According to the Danish Energy Agency’s 2020 Baseline Projection (danish only), solar cells will account for around 15% of Denmark’s electricity production by 2030.

Why is solar heating important in Denmark?

Solar heating covers approx. 2% of Denmark’s district heating production. One of the big challenges of solar heating is energy storage, because the sun provides the most energy in the summer, when we need it the least to heat buildings. Heat storage is therefore a major research area at DTU.

Will solar heating cover 10% of Denmark's heating Consumption by 2050?

The researchers estimate that solar heating can cover 10% of Denmark’s heating consumption by 2030 and 40% by 2050, if the expansion of solar heating plants with thermal heat storage pits continues to develop as it did between 2012-2019.