CMS Expert Guide to Agrivoltaics and Floating Photovoltaics in Sweden

No, agrivoltaics are not specifically regulated in Sweden. Agrivolataics would most likely be categorised as solar parks in general. There is no general permit requirement for solar parks under the Swedish Environmental Code. However, the Environmental Code requires a notice for consultation with the supervisory authority. Further, it is possible to apply for a voluntary environmental permit. It should be noted that in certain limited circumstances, solar panels can be considered as buildings under the Planning and Building Act. In those cases, a building permit would be required. 

The first agrivoltaic solar park in Sweden was built in 2021. A research team was associated with the project to study how agrivoltaic systems can increase the energy efficiency and profitability of solar cells in Sweden. In addition to this project, there are a few examples of commercial agrivoltaic facilities that have received approval from the authorities. 

Yes, there are regulatory hurdles to the implementation of agrivoltaic solar parks in Sweden. However, the obstacles are not specific to agrivoltaic installations but affect solar parks in general. An important issue is whether the establishment of a solar park will lead to a change in land use. When constituting a change in land use, a conflict arises between the interests of a reliable electricity supply and of food supply. Even if solar parks can be considered to constitute an installation of essential public interest, the legislation and case law require extensive investigations on the choice of site for the installation when agricultural land will be occupied. The required investigation will depend on the circumstances of the individual case. However, in its guidance on solar panels on agricultural land, the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland emphasised that solar systems are under development and there are systems that allow arable farming or grazing to continue on the same scale as before. This indicates that there is a margin of assessment regarding the issue of change in land use that may come to be reflected in future case law specifically regarding agrivoltaics. 

In a report from 2024, the Swedish Board of Agriculture stated that it has a positive view of agrivoltaics. However, the authority emphasises that agrivoltaics are undeveloped and efforts are needed in many areas. The Swedish Board of Agriculture called for more research, technological development, business models and clarification of the legislation. In general, solar power is one of several types of energy that must be substantially expanded in Sweden by 2045, when greenhouse gas emissions should be net zero. According to the Swedish government, the role of solar power in Sweden's electricity supply has the potential to grow. A combined land use that favours both agriculture and energy production could therefore be a way forward. 

There is no specific financial support focused on investments in agrivoltaics in Sweden.

FPV are not explicitly regulated in Sweden. As the construction takes place in water, such a measure would fall within the scope of the regulation of water activities in the Environmental Code. FPV would then be subject to a notification or permit requirement. In addition, the Environmental Code contains provisions regarding shoreland protection, which could apply if the FPV are located in the vicinity of the shoreland. Even if the obligation to notify or apply for a permit under the regulation of water activities would not apply, the Environmental Code still contains an obligation to make a notice for consultation with the supervisory authority. In parallel with the Environmental Code the construction of FPV could potentially trigger the Planning and Building Act and a requirement for a building permit. 

FPV projects are still a rare sight in Sweden, but there are examples where such have been installed on irrigation ponds. 

Potential regulatory hurdles for the implementation of FPV projects in Sweden are the shoreland protection and the regulation of water activities in the Environmental Code. If a facility is to be in a shoreland protected area, an exemption is required to establish the construction. Floating PV projects will have an impact on the aquatic environment both during construction and operation. Even though floating PVs can have several positive environmental effects, there are risks that need to be considered, such as shading the seabed, which can have an adverse impact on the living conditions of animal or plant species. 

For the time being, Sweden has limited potential for developing FPV, despite the country’s large number of lakes and ponds. The regulations that could apply to FPV projects are strict and there are no exemptions that specifically address the potential benefits of this type of installation. However, FPV projects are one way to contribute to the expansion of solar power in Sweden, and according to the Swedish government, the role of solar power in Sweden's electricity supply has the potential to grow. 

There is no specific financial support focused on investments in floating FPV projects in Sweden.