Halden becomes Norway’s first prison with solar cells

Halden prison is already almost world-famous for its modern approach to prison care, and now the prison will be the first in Norway with solar cells.

The Norwegian Directorate of Public Construction and Property (Statsbygg) has received NOK 60 million in a package of government measures that will stimulate the green transition despite the economic challenges that have followed the corona epidemic.

Statsbygg will, among other things, use the money for several solar cell projects. 

A tender competition has therefore been announced for two projects in Halden: Østfold University College and Halden Prison.

Climate-friendly solutions

“Climate-friendly solutions such as solar cells are a focus area for Statsbygg. 

“Measures that benefit both the environment and those who use the buildings are a win-win situation. 

“We are now looking forward to getting started with the projects, CEO Harald Nikolaisen of Statsbygg noted.

According to the requirements specifications, the photovoltaic systems must be designed so that the installed power is approximately 500 kWp on each of the properties. 

That corresponds to between 350,000 and 500,000 kilowatt-hours.

3,000 square meters of solar cells

The solar panels will be installed on accessible roof surfaces at Halden Prison and Østfold University College. 

In total, there will be more than 3,000 square meters of solar cells at both the prison and the college.

The tender deadline is set for November 9, and according to the plan, work on the facilities will start in the first half of next year and be completed by the summer.

In addition to the solar panels in Halden, Statsbygg will use the money for charging stations for electric cars, various energy efficiency measures, and emission-free construction sites, phasing out environmentally hazardous coolants on Statsbygg’s properties, as well as for measures that increase biodiversity.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today