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Review of Recent Offshore Photovoltaics Development

Author

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  • Jun Wang

    (Key Laboratory of Solar Energy Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province, Southeast University, No. 2 Si Pai Lou, Nanjing 210096, China
    Energy Storage Research Center, Southeast University, No. 2 Si Pai Lou, Nanjing 210096, China)

  • Peter D. Lund

    (Key Laboratory of Solar Energy Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province, Southeast University, No. 2 Si Pai Lou, Nanjing 210096, China
    School of Science, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Aalto, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland)

Abstract

Photovoltaic power generation (PV) has significantly grown in recent years and it is perceived as one of the key strategies to reach carbon neutrality. Due to a low power density, PV requires much space, which may limit PV expansion in the future. Placing PV on water has therefore become an interesting alternative siting solution in several countries. China has the largest fleet of water floating photovoltaic power stations. Water-based PV is typically installed on inland shores, but now offshore areas may become the next step of development. In this paper, the background of offshore photovoltaic power generation and an analysis of existing offshore photovoltaic systems is presented. Fixed pile-based photovoltaic systems are stationary PV systems in offshore or tidal areas characterized by higher safety, but also a higher initial investment. Wave-proof PV systems are highly modular, easier to install, and more practical in countries with high population density and less available land. Floating platform photovoltaic systems are built on a floating platform with a floating body and frame structure. The photovoltaic module is installed on the floating platform at a certain height, which can avoid the direct action of waves. Floating thin-film PV is one of the most recently developed water-based PV systems. It has a reinforced film that can fluctuate with the waves, adapting to the wave and wind load. This paper finally discusses the challenges encountered by offshore PV and presents future prospects.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun Wang & Peter D. Lund, 2022. "Review of Recent Offshore Photovoltaics Development," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:20:p:7462-:d:938689
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tina, Giuseppe Marco & Bontempo Scavo, Fausto & Merlo, Leonardo & Bizzarri, Fabrizio, 2021. "Analysis of water environment on the performances of floating photovoltaic plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 281-295.
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    3. Kougias, Ioannis & Taylor, Nigel & Kakoulaki, Georgia & Jäger-Waldau, Arnulf, 2021. "The role of photovoltaics for the European Green Deal and the recovery plan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    4. Thi Thu Em Vo & Hyeyoung Ko & Junho Huh & Namje Park, 2021. "Overview of Possibilities of Solar Floating Photovoltaic Systems in the OffShore Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-30, October.
    5. Crago, Christine L. & Koegler, Eric, 2018. "Drivers of growth in commercial-scale solar PV capacity," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 481-491.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

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    2. Gao, Xifeng & Li, Yichu & Liu, Mengmeng & Lian, Jijian & Ma, Qian & Zhang, Ju & Wu, Sheng & Cui, Yiming, 2025. "An exploratory framework for analyzing the impact of salt deposition on offshore photovoltaic system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    3. Cui, Yiming & Liu, Mengmeng & Li, Wei & Lian, Jijian & Yao, Ye & Gao, Xifeng & Yu, Lina & Wang, Ting & Li, Yichu & Yin, Jilong, 2024. "An exploratory framework to identify dust on photovoltaic panels in offshore floating solar power stations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 307(C).
    4. Shanka Vasuki, Sathya & Levell, Jack & Santbergen, Rudi & Isabella, Olindo, 2025. "A technical review on the energy yield estimation of offshore floating photovoltaic systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    5. Li, Peng & Fan, Longrui & Wang, Qing & Han, Xinyu & Deng, Zhongbo & Ren, Xiaohui & Zhang, Cheng & Wang, Jun & Wang, Lei & Huang, Yijie, 2025. "Study on hydrodynamic characteristics and power generation performance of gable-type floating photovoltaic," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 335(C).
    6. Lu, Wenhe & Lian, Jijian & Xie, Hongwen & Li, Peiyao & Shao, Nan & Zhang, Guanhao & Li, Xinyi & Wu, Zhichuan & Xiong, Dongzhi, 2026. "Experimental study on hydrodynamic response characteristics of a novel floating box array offshore floating photovoltaic structure," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PF).
    7. Engelfried, Tabea & Alday, Matias & Raghavan, Vaibhav & Lavidas, George, 2026. "Geospatial analysis of the life cycle global warming impacts from marine renewables," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PC).
    8. Wei, Yujia & Khojasteh, Danial & Windt, Christian & Huang, Luofeng, 2025. "An interdisciplinary literature review of floating solar power plants," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).
    9. Song, Chenchen & Guo, Zhiling & Liu, Zhengguang & Hongyun, Zhang & Liu, Ran & Zhang, Haoran, 2024. "Application of photovoltaics on different types of land in China: Opportunities, status and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).

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