As more households, businesses and municipalities generate their own solar electricity, new challenges are arising in how energy is stored, shared and used. Dalarna University will continue its research within the national research centre SOLVE, which has secured funding for the 2027–2031 programme period.
Through the Sustainable Energy Research Centre (SERC), Dalarna University will be part of several research projects. Two of these are flagship projects focusing on energy communities and battery–photovoltaic (PV) systems in the Nordic region.
Dalarna University's contribution to SOLVE is its system-of-systems research perspective that recognises that solar energy is not an isolated technology but part of a wider energy system involving people, infrastructure and society.
– As more people generate their own solar electricity, we need smarter ways to store and share energy, at both national, regional and local levels. We will also look at the social aspects to increase the acceptance of solar energy in society. This research will generate knowledge that helps make tomorrow's electricity system more robust, efficient and sustainable, says André Augusto and Xingxing Zhang, professors of energy engineering at Dalarna University.
The projects will be carried out in collaboration with Swedish universities, industry partners, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) in Norway, and with support from Region Dalarna.
The research aims to generate new knowledge on how solar electricity can be more effectively integrated into the energy system. This includes exploring how local energy communities can strengthen electricity supply and how battery storage combined with solar PV systems can create a more flexible and resilient electricity system. In the longer term, the research is expected to reduce pressure on the electricity grid, support the wider adoption of renewable energy, and enable households, municipalities and businesses to play a more active role in the energy transition.
As part of the initiative, Dalarna University plans to recruit two PhD students to SERC. The recruitment process will begin later this year.
Facts: Dalarna University's participation in SOLVE (Solar Electricity Research Centre Sweden)
- SOLVE has been awarded SEK 139.4 million for the 2027–2031 programme period.
- Dalarna University's share of the funding amounts to SEK 30.34 million.
- The programme is funded jointly by the Swedish Energy Agency, participating universities, and industry and public sector partners.
- Dalarna University is involved in several research projects, including two flagship projects focusing on energy communities and battery–PV systems.
- Two PhD students will be recruited as part of the initiative.
About SOLVE
SOLVE (Solar Electricity Research Centre Sweden) is a national research centre bringing together universities, research institutes, companies and public sector organisations to develop knowledge and innovation that support the transition to a sustainable, fossil-free energy system.
Learn more about SOLVE (external website).
About SERC
The Sustainable Energy Research Centre (SERC) is Dalarna University's multidisciplinary research centre for sustainable energy. Working closely with industry and public sector partners, it conducts research in areas such as energy-efficient buildings, solar energy, energy systems and energy transition, and circular economy.
Learn more about Sustainable Energy Research Centre (SERC) - Dalarna University
