Vertical Bifacial PV for Offshore Floating Systems

What is it about?

Imagine solar panels floating at sea. Traditional designs lay the panels flat, which can lead to reduced energy production and get easily dirty. This research explores a new idea: standing the solar panels up vertically. This "vertical bifacial" approach uses special panels that can capture sunlight from both the front and the back. The light reflecting off the water boosts the energy captured by the back of the panels, compensating for any reduction in direct sunlight on the front. This is particularly beneficial in snowy regions where the reflected light from the snow further enhances energy production. We've developed a patented design called "PVSail" that uses this vertical approach on floating platforms. These platforms can rotate to face the wind, reducing stress and improving stability. Our studies in Italy and the UK show that this vertical design can actually increase energy production in some locations, and it's less sensitive to the direction the panels are facing. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly improve offshore renewable energy generation and open up new possibilities for floating solar farms. We believe that this is a more efficient and sustainable way of generating renewable energy from the sea.

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Photo by jordan ramos on Unsplash

Photo by jordan ramos on Unsplash

Why is it important?

What sets this research apart is its focus on vertical bifacial PV specifically for offshore floating applications. While bifacial technology is gaining traction, its potential for floating structures, particularly in the vertical configuration, remains largely unexplored. Our "PVSail" concept directly addresses the limitations of traditional horizontal bifacial floating systems, which suffer from reduced rear-side irradiance and significant soiling. By orienting the modules vertically, we maximize the benefits of reflected light, especially in high-latitude, snow-prone regions, and minimize the impact of soiling. Furthermore, the patented mooring and rotation system allows the structure to adapt to wind conditions, improving stability and survivability in harsh offshore environments. This is particularly timely given the urgent need for scalable and sustainable renewable energy solutions. As interest in offshore wind and solar resources grows, PVSail offers a novel and potentially transformative approach to floating PV, opening up new possibilities for energy generation in deeper waters and challenging marine environments.

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