Photovoltaic systems in the Nordics: A systematic review of techno-economic and life-cycle sustainability assessments

Abstract

The rapid global deployment of photovoltaic (PV) technologies has increased the need for comprehensive evaluations of their technical performance, economic viability, and environmental compatibility. At high-latitudes, these assessments are essential due to low solar elevation angles, irradiance variability, and specific electricity market structures. This study presents a systematic review of techno-economic assessment (TEA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies on both mono- and bifacial PVs, specifically emphasising high latitudes applications. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 103 peer-reviewed journal articles are analysed by focusing on methodology, system configurations, software tools, performance indicators, geographical distribution, and integration between techno-economic and environmental studies. The results confirm increasing installations, a significant decline in the levelized cost of energy, and simulation-based approaches dominating over experimental and hybrid studies. Ground-mounted and roof-mounted systems were considered in more than 70% of the studies, while floating and façade-integrated PV systems are rarely assessed. Only about 13% of the studies considered fully integrated techno-economic–environmental assessments. Major research gaps include methodological fragmentation, limited experimental testing capabilities, underrepresentation of cold-climate installations, and insufficient integration of sustainability aspects. Further research should address hybrid validation approaches and detailed investigations of non-conventional PV installations to ensure evidence-based, sustainable deployment in the Nordics and other high-latitude regions.