Floating PV system with ring-like floater geometry
Scientists in China have investigated the hydrodynamic performance of a novel modular floating photovoltaic system. They did so using a novel hybrid approach, which integrates viscous-flow effects from computational fluid dynamics into a potential-flow solver. They analyzed the new system with varying numbers of panels, either in a single chain or a parallel configuration.
Hydrogen can mitigate curtailment in floating PV-pumped hydro energy storage systems
Scientists at Italy’s University of Cagliari explored the integration of a water electrolyzer with a floating PV-pumped hydro energy storage system. They found that under high curtailment conditions, hydrogen production helped to stabilize system efficiency and lower the levelized cost of electricity when compared to a system without the electrolyzer.
Powering ferries with floating PV, hydrogen
Scientists in Malaysia have conducted a techno-economic-environmental study of a green fueling system for a ferry that runs between islands in their home country. Using 40,000 solar panels, they were able to power two round trips round-trips per day. Annual CO₂ reduction was measured at 23.75 million kg.
Philippines completes first MW-scale floating solar array
The Philippines has completed its first megawatt-scale floating solar array, a 4.99 MW installation on the Malubog reservoir, with plans to expand to 50 MW to power a copper mine. In Mindanao, work has begun on a 99 MW solar plant backed by PHP 4.49 billion ($80 million) in green financing from HSBC.
‘Soft-connected’ floating PV for offshore scenarios
An international research team has tested a floating PV system with a “soft-connected” configuration under offshore conditions, using six modular pontoons linked by elastic bar elements to simulate mooring lines and connection ropes.
Romanian utility signs deal for 10 MW floating solar project on reservoir
Romania’s Hidroelectrica has signed a contract with Waldevar Energy for a 10 MW floating solar project billed as Europe’s largest on a reservoir.
The best tilt angle for canal-mounted PV systems
Researchers in Türkiye have conducted an experimental study on the ideal tilt angles for PV systems deployed on canals. Their analysis showed that an 8◦ tilt angle consistently demonstrates greater performance.
Italy launches floating PV tender
The Italian authorities have opened a tender to support the deployment of about 50 MW of floating PV capacity.
Q Energy switches on Europe’s largest floating PV plant
Q Energy and partners recently inaugurated a 74.3 MW floating PV plant in France – the largest of its kind in Europe. pv magazine visited the site to examine the technologies and innovations behind the project.
GCL SI presents 480 W solar modules for offshore projects
GCL System Integration (GCL SI) introduced its NT10/60GT floating solar module at the recent SNEC 2025 trade show in Shanghai. It developed the seawater-resistant solution in collaboration with Norway’s Ocean Sun.
