What makes Ocean Sun different from other FPV systems?
Ocean Sun uses a patented membrane-based design that allows PV modules to float directly on the water surface. This reduces material use, enhances cooling, and improves energy yield compared to conventional pontoon-based systems.
How does the membrane work?
The membrane is a flexible, durable surface that supports PV modules while floating. It conforms to wave motion and enables direct contact between the modules and water, facilitating passive cooling.
Is the system patented?
Yes, the Ocean Sun system is protected by several international patents covering design, membrane integration, and anchoring methods.
Does the system allow for natural water cooling of the PV modules?
Yes, the modules rest directly on the membrane in contact with water, which lowers their temperature and increases efficiency through natural convective cooling.
What kind of PV modules can be used?
Ocean Sun uses PV modules engineered specifically for our floating solar technology. These cost-efficient modules are optimized for seamless integration with our membrane system, delivering superior thermal performance, high reliability, and maximized energy output.
How is heat dissipation achieved?
Heat is dissipated through direct conduction to the water surface via the membrane, significantly reducing module operating temperature and improving energy yield.
What is the tilt angle of the modules?
Ocean Sun modules lie flat on the water surface with a 0° tilt, relying on reflection minimisation and cooling to maintain high performance without the need for mechanical tilt structures.
How is the system transported and installed?
Ocean Sun’s floaters are flat-packed and transported efficiently by truck or container. On-site, the ring is welded onshore, and the membrane is deployed in parallel. The floater is then towed to the anchoring location.
How long does deployment take?
Depending on site conditions and crew size, a typical floater can be installed in 1–2 days. Larger systems benefit from parallel membrane preparation and modular deployment.
How are the floaters anchored?
Anchoring is tailored to site conditions, using mooring lines and sinkers or anchors. Design accounts for wave loads, water depth, and currents, and follows marine engineering standards.
Can the system be scaled up over time?
Yes, the modular architecture allows multiple floaters to be installed side-by-side, enabling phased deployment or expansion as energy demand increases.
Can it be used in offshore conditions?
Yes. Tier III systems are designed for exposed nearshore and offshore sites with multi-ring floaters, reinforced mooring, and wave load handling capabilities.
What are the requirements for site selection?
Site suitability depends on water depth, wave and wind exposure, accessibility, and regulatory permissions. Ocean Sun offers guidance and tools for feasibility assessments.
How does the system perform in extreme weather?
Ocean Sun systems are engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 275 km/h and are designed with mooring systems tailored to local conditions. The flexible membrane reduces wind drag and absorbs wave energy.
How long does the system last?
System components follow standard PV industry lifetimes. With proper maintenance, floaters and mooring can last 25+ years. The membrane is designed to exceed 20 years of operational life and is replaceable.
What is the lifetime of the membrane?
The membrane is made from Norwegian-engineered hydroelastic PVC with UV protection and marine coatings. Lab and field testing confirm durability beyond 20 years under operational stress.
How efficient is the system compared to land-based solar?
Due to direct water cooling, Ocean Sun’s system can deliver 5–10% higher energy yield than equivalent land-based installations, especially in warm climates.
What maintenance is required?
Regular inspection and cleaning are needed. Tasks include checking moorings, electrical systems, and cleaning the modules. Annual review and preventive maintenance ensure optimal performance.
Is there any risk of damage from waves or wind?
The system is designed for flexibility and resilience. For exposed locations, Tier III structures use double rings and reinforced anchoring to handle wave loads and dynamic stress.
Does the system impact water quality or biodiversity?
Ocean Sun has collaborated with NIVA to assess ecological impact. Studies show negligible long-term impact on water quality and aquatic life. In some cases, reduced light and evaporation can have positive environmental effects.
Is permitting required for deployment?
Yes. Permitting requirements vary by country and water body type. Ocean Sun supports partners with technical documentation and environmental assessments needed for the approval process.
How does the system affect evaporation?
By covering the water surface, the system reduces evaporation. This is particularly valuable in water-stressed regions and hydropower reservoirs where water conservation is important.
Does it interfere with aquaculture or marine activities?
Ocean Sun's flexible and modular design allows it to co-exist with other marine uses. The system is especially suited for hybrid use with aquaculture, as demonstrated in several projects.
Are environmental studies needed before installation?
For most projects, a site-specific environmental assessment is recommended or required. Ocean Sun provides modeling support and baseline data to help streamline the regulatory process.
What types of projects is the system suitable for?
Ocean Sun’s technology is ideal for a wide range of applications, including hydropower reservoirs, nearshore island grids, aquaculture sites, and industrial water bodies. Configurations can be tailored to site conditions and project scale.
Can it be used for utility-scale solar?
Yes, the system supports utility-scale deployments with floaters up to 668 kWp and modular expansion. It is especially competitive in large reservoirs and semi-exposed coastal locations.
What are the primary use cases?
Key use cases include renewable energy generation for island nations, hybrid systems for fish farms, CO₂ reduction for industrial actors, and solar augmentation of existing hydro assets.
Is it cost-competitive with land-based solar?
Yes. Ocean Sun’s low material use, efficient transport, and enhanced cooling performance result in competitive LCOE - especially where land is constrained or costly.
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