[NorwegianDude]

Good question. Seems unlikely that the prices are correct. If it is then someone has a huge incentive to import from other places. The most popular air-air heat pump in Norway with a SCOP above 5 is less than 2500 USD including installation and tax.

But, it's also a fact that the US is far behind when it comes to heat pumps and energy efficient homes. The general knowledge in the US about heat pumps is terrible.

[nkurz]

I fear you are wrong. I'm American, and can confirm that heat pumps in the US are still very expensive upfront. There are often grant programs that can offset some of the cost, but for whatever reason they are much more expensive here than Europe.

The main issue seems to be that installation is extremely expensive. Less expensive heat pumps are now available here if you are able to do the installation yourself, but installers will only work with the expensive brands they know. They are usually overbooked, and thus have no incentive to lower their prices.

The question would be what it would take to get competition in the market at the installer level. Any idea how this was accomplished in Norway?

[sokoloff]

Part of the “for whatever reason” is the grant programs you mentioned.