BIPV is still new in Norway, which became apparent during the tender process. There were few reference systems and none of the suppliers had experience with a total delivery of integrated solar cells in façade. The BIPV system was added late in the pre-project, and as a consequence the architect was not able to make all desired adjustments. After the BIPV façade was included, the building was re-designed to place a sportshall on the top of the building which gives some shading on the façade. The main obstacles of this project were costs and unclear regulations. A lot of own effort was used for the coordination and clarification of fastening system specifications and fire safety regulations. The local fire brigade did not have previous knowledge about PV systems, but were happy to receive information and perform an inspection. Important lessons learned include ensuring that the projecting company has sufficient competency, defining regulations and requirements early in the process, knowing who should do the mounting and electrical works, and using clear evaluation criteria for the testing, instrumentation and commissioning of the system. New BIPV projects are now being planned without financial support. This would not have been possible without the knowledge and competency built in this pilot project. The use of standard modules instead of customized sizes and a more efficient process will substantially reduce costs. New offers show that half the cost is possible. The lessons learned are transferred to new projects through the national programme «Futurebuilt» and the research project «Building integrated photovoltaics for Norway».

The local grid company performed an inspection of electrical systems and concluded that a façade installer can mount and connect the PV modules, provided close collaboration with the responsible electrician, a safe-job-analysis, and a sufficiently insulated system with quick-release coupling. The installer had to be registered and deliver a compliance declaration for the projecting work according to the regulation on electrical low voltage systems in Norway. Undervisningsbygg made an operation and maintenance instruction explaining what needs to be taken into consideration with regards to safety.

The PV system was planned within the economic framework of ordinary investment and financial support from Enova. The project would not have been built without Enova funding, which covered the added costs associated with achieving the nZEB goal. Income from the PV system was not a driver for the project. The higher costs were accepted as this was a pilot study. The total cost of the BIPV façade was 792 €/m². Compared to a normal brick façade, the additional cost of the BIPV system was 469 €/m². If no financial support is included, the net present value of the BIPV system is negative. With financial support and the 'savings' from the replaced brick façade included, the investment is paid back in 20-25 years. The cost distribution was: BIPV modules 29%, inverters and cabling 16%, installation including materials and work 40%, project management 10%, other 5%.