The idea and practice of generating electricity from both fresh water and sea without occupying normal areas of use or even paying rent has many examples in the world. However, since these systems are generally used on pontoons, they have many difficulties. These pontoons are expensive due to their material requirements and are very sensitive to wind due to their height. This makes them usable in special projects for some dams and lakes.
Norwegian company OceanSun, inspired by the offshore fish farms frequently used in their country, has developed a low-cost solution that can withstand storms on the sea.
The design resembles the lotus leaf we are used to from fresh water. While this structure has wind and wave resistance thanks to the supported system on the edges. Invertors and other equipment are also located in a sheltered place on the side. The edge system also constitutes the main part that allows the system to float.
The solar panels are on a membrane-like fabric in the middle that provides insulation on top of the buildings with a thickness of 1 mm. However, in order to be protected from both wind and excess weight, the panels remain flat instead of slightly inclined as we are accustomed to, and their back sides are directly flush with the membrane.
Thanks to this thin membrane, overheated panels are able to release their heat to the sea and increase electricity production by up to 10%. The advantages of such floating systems include reducing evaporation in the dam or lake and preventing the excessive growth of human-induced algae and algae thanks to shading. If it is next to a dam or offshore wind turbine, it is very easy to connect to the grid.
In addition to offering protection against all these natural conditions, OceanSun also costs less than other above-water systems. Because much less material was used. Moreover, it is very easy to maintain thanks to its large and sheltered area. Since the solar panels used on it are protected by glass on both sides, the company can give a 20-year warranty.
The company has already received orders for many offshore vessels. These systems seem to be put into operation in 2024. The orders received came especially from the islands. Because the space on the islands is very limited and it is very difficult to produce renewable energy, most of them are currently relying on diesel or natural gas generators. In this system, it is naturally cheaper than fossil fuels.
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