Can floating solar technology be used in rough offshore environments?

Taking floating solar technology into rough offshore environments requires that the existing solar PV modules can resist salty water and withstand strong currents and wave and wind loads. Additionally, a cost competitive concept for the floating structure needs to be developed.

Where is the world's largest offshore photovoltaic farm located?

Singapore is now home to one of the world’s largest offshore floating photovoltaic farms, a 5 MW-peak project deployed in the Straits of Johor. Developed by Sunseap Group, a local solar energy solutions provider, the five-hectare sea-based solar plant is equivalent in size to five soccer fields.

Where are floating solar systems based?

The vast majority of the available technology and projects in operation are located in inland freshwater bodies. Currently there is momentum in the sector to develop floating solar systems to be deployed in marine environments.

Are floatovoltaic solar projects taking off in the UK?

However, the UK has seen few floating solar projects take off, despite the potential they hold. There are precious few floatovoltaic installations operating in the UK at present.

Will Ocean Sun supply solar systems for Saemangeum floating solar energy project?

Ocean Sun will supply its systems for the Saemangeum floating solar energy project. Image courtesy of Ocean Sun AS. South Korea is developing the world’s biggest floating solar power plant near Saemangeum, an estuarine tidal flat on the coast of the Yellow Sea.

Can floating solar systems be deployed in marine environments?

Currently there is momentum in the sector to develop floating solar systems to be deployed in marine environments. Experience from inland floating solar projects could open up possibilities to scale up and move to nearshore or even offshore conditions.