Solar4Sea Technical Pilot

Solar4Sea investigates a new and cost-effective floating solar concept designed for harsh offshore environments. As of today, most traditional floating solar solutions are not suitable for operation in offshore environments due to large waves and high wind. The proposed floating solar concept has the main features of semisubmersible lightweight modules, floats made of renewable materials, and a grid configuration with soft connections. All these features make the solar farm system reliable in operation, easy-to-install, and easy-to-maintain. Previously, numerical analysis and model tests were carried out for a downscaled small array under various wave conditions. The technical feasibility of the concept was preliminarily demonstrated, as shown by the excellent motion characteristics of the array in extreme waves. The objective of Solar4Sea is to solidify the previous research outcomes of the floating solar concept, and to identify pathways for next-stage development. Together with Norwegian and international collaborators, the project team has the ambition to make floating solar energy reliable, recyclable, and cost efficient.