What does this research mean for the field?

Offshore floating photovoltaic installations are structurally feasible in exposed seas but offer limited profitability primarily due to the high costs associated with mooring systems. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the structural feasibility, hydrodynamic response, and life-cycle economic viability of a novel floating photovoltaic concept designed for harsh offshore marine environments.

August 20, 2026Journal of Ocean Engineering and Marine EnergyOpen Access

A floating photovoltaic system design for offshore deployment

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To evaluate the structural feasibility, hydrodynamic response, and life-cycle economic viability of a novel floating photovoltaic concept designed for harsh offshore marine environments.
Conceptualized an offshore floating photovoltaic platform using elevated tubular steel frames, distributed buoyancy pontoons, and taut fiber-rope mooring lines with shared suction anchors.
Performed hydrodynamic and mooring simulations in SIMA under ultimate limit state conditions representative of an exposed offshore deployment site.
Analyzed annual energy production and life-cycle economic performance for large-scale installations in high solar irradiance regions.
Hydrodynamic simulations demonstrated that the elevated platform and taut mooring configuration successfully prevent wave overtopping and maintain line tension under extreme sea states.
Life-cycle techno-economic modeling revealed limited overall profitability for large-scale offshore deployments, driven primarily by the high capital expenses of the mooring and anchoring systems.

Authors

TETrym EkerhovdUniversity of Stavanger XWXueliang WenTsinghua University MOMuk Chen OngUniversity of Stavanger

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Implication

Engineering simulation demonstrates structural feasibility but limited economic viability for offshore floating solar arrays, indicating mooring costs remain the primary barrier.

Cite This Study

Ekerhovd et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a86b5eb8a91293e6a1cd758 https://doi.org/10.1007/s40722-026-00534-w

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Implication

Engineering simulation demonstrates structural feasibility but limited economic viability for offshore floating solar arrays, indicating mooring costs remain the primary barrier.

A floating photovoltaic system design for offshore deployment

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Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

A floating photovoltaic system design for offshore deployment

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study