Floating solar panels

Wave Category 2

In 2017, together with partners from the National Consortium Solar on Water, we conducted a study on the feasibility of solar energy systems on water surfaces with wave category 2, waves until 1 meter high. This research took place at the Slufter on the Maasvlakte. The project provided a comprehensive inventory of challenges and potential failure mechanisms in these types of systems.

Performance of panels and ecological effects

The field lab located on the shores of the Oostvoornse Meer offers space for a variety of research projects on floating solar energy systems. At the field lab, floating solar energy systems are subjected to challenging conditions, such as wave category 2 and corrosive conditions. We are also researching the ecological impact of these systems on marine life and water quality.

An interesting line of thought is the construction of ring-shaped islands in the IJsselmeer, so-called atolls. This would allow us to create a lee area suitable for floating solar energy systems that can withstand wave category-2 conditions. This approach can go hand in hand with the required nature development (Natura 2000).

A next step is to use the surface of the IJsselmeer for solar energy. The IJsselmeer also has quite a substantial task in terms of nature development. The question is whether the development of new nature in the IJsselmeer region and solar energy can go hand in hand. Do we see opportunities for synergy on a spatial planning, policy, and/or financial level?

Offshore floating solar panels

In the North Sea, a large area has been earmarked for offshore renewable energy. Initially for wind energy, but there is enough space in between the wind turbines to generate solar energy as well. We are collaborating on several projects focused on how to achieve robust offshore floating solar energy systems with high yields and long service lives at acceptable costs.

TNO develops standards for monitoring offshore solar energy pilot projects

Offshore solar energy on the North Sea is increasingly gaining attention. Several pilots and demonstration projects are now in development. It is of key importance that we use these pilots and demonstration projects in The Netherlands to build our knowledge about offshore solar. TNO is closely involved with:

• Demonstration project at the CrossWind HKN location, with Oceans of Energy
• Merganser demonstration project at the OTS site, with SolarDuck
• Solar@Sea III pilot project at the OTS site with Bluewater Energy Services

In order to build up high quality systematic knowledge about performance and reliability, TNO strives to use the same monitoring approach in all these projects. It is important to monitor the following aspects of the systems:

• Mechanical behaviour of the system and the mechanical stresses and strains experienced by the components such as the PV panels
• Electrical performance of the PV system, its power yield as a functional result of irradiation, temperatures and system movements
• Visual parameters such as fouling

TNO aims to gather these data in a standardized way, using offshore compatible measurement methodologies and sensors. Analysis of such data will lead to a better understanding of the systematic performance aspects that are independent of the precise design choices for the systems.