Swedish Solar Thermal Market Development: Results and experiences up to 2008

Other conference contribution, 2009

The first subsidy for solar heating systems was implemented together with other energy savings measures in Sweden already in the late 1970’s in the oil crisis aftermaths. Svensk solenergi (Solar energy association of Sweden) was formed in 1989 and started to promote collector testing and argue for consistent market support. The first certified collectors could be marketed in 1992 and an investment subsidy based on a percentage of an eligible investment created the first market development from 1992. This subsidy was however abandoned in 1996 due to lack of political support (change of government). After a couple of years of discussions with the relevant authorities (Swedish Board for Housing and Planning and Swedish Energy Agency) a new investment subsidy for solar heating systems was initiated in 2000. The early experiences from this program were reported in 2005. This paper summarises the ongoing market development and the experiences gained until 2008.