The demand for low-emission electricity production is surging globally due to increased electrification and industrial developments. While many countries prioritize expanding wind and solar power, Norway faces challenges, including public opposition to wind energy and delayed adoption of solar power.

However, the country aims to address its renewable electricity needs by setting ambitious targets, including generating 8 TWh of solar power by 2030. This target encompasses both small-scale rooftop installations and large utility-scale solar power plants, though the share between them is undetermined. This article analyses current trends, potential developments, conflicts, and synergies between small- and large-scale solar projects in Norway. Utilizing the policy mix literature and the anchoring policy perspective, the analysis includes policy-related drivers and barriers while controlling for technical and economic factors. Resting on policy documents and a stakeholder workshop, we find that utility-scale solar faces several significant barriers that will negatively affect development rates. Small-scale solar installations face barriers too, but these are mostly linked to economic aspects, which in principle are easier to address politically and in the shorter term. The article contributes to analysing policy mix developments for utility- and small-scale solar systems, and novelly uses the anchoring policies perspective to give indications about scope for future policy change.