Our Innovation Analysts recently looked into emerging technologies and up-and-coming startups working on solutions for the energy sector. As there is a large number of startups working on a wide variety of solutions, we want to share our insights with you. This time, we are taking a look at 5 promising floating photovoltaic solutions.
Heat Map: 5 Top Floating Photovoltaic Solutions
Using our StartUs Insights Platform, covering 1.116.000+ startups & emerging companies, we looked at innovation in the photovoltaics (PVs) field. For this research, we identified 57 relevant solutions and picked 5 to showcase below. These companies were chosen based on a data-driven startup scouting approach, taking into account factors such as location, founding year, and technology among others. Depending on your specific criteria, the top picks might look entirely different.
The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights 5 startups & emerging companies developing floating photovoltaic solutions. Moreover, the Heat Map reveals regions that observe a high startup activity and illustrates the geographic distribution of all 57 companies we analyzed for this specific topic.
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Ocean Sun – Flexible Floating Photovoltaic Solution
A land-based solar plant requires a lot of space for installation while floating PV plants are more compact and easy to manage. Flexible floating PV systems need less infrastructure, and the array is kept in close contact with the water surface due to the surface tension. This technology increases the reliability without affecting the electrical performance of the floating PV system. Additionally, thin-film flexible floating PV solutions adjust with the wave motion and capture solar radiation at several incident angles.
Norwegian startup Ocean Sun introduces an efficient, low cost and durable solution for floating solar power generation. The startup’s technology is based on modified silicon solar modules deployed on flexible floating structures. With the help of proprietary non-permeable membrane, floater units are based on utility type, dual-glass, silicon crystalline modules. Moreover, the modules are quickly and securely attached to the membrane using a unique fixation mechanism. As a result, this enables improved thermal contact with the waterbody. Additionally, the startup offers a customized junction box, cables, and attachment features.
Yellow Tropus – Submerged Floating Photovoltaic Solution
When absorbing energy, solar panels are exposed to overheating. The submerged PV modules allow the implementation of a natural cooling mechanism by generating a water layer and as a result, increases power output for Submerged Photovoltaic Solar Panel (SP2s). The main reasons leading to an increase in efficiency are the reduction of light reflection and the absence of thermal drift.
Indian startup Yellow Tropus builds submerged floating solar PV power plants with a fixed tilt to maximize cost-effectiveness and space efficiencies. This technology delivers high energy density and requires no on-site construction. The submerged floating solar PV power plant applies aerodynamic designs with enhanced air circulation that facilitates natural evaporative cooling.
HELIOFLOAT – Floating Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
Compared to land-based concentrated solar power generation, floating CSP plants utilize the full potential of the sun due to negligible shading issues. Floating installations reduce space usage, resulting in minimal shading, and enable natural cooling of solar panels. As a result, floating CSP plants improve efficiency and reduce stress on the system.
Austrian startup HELIOFLOAT provides a floating concentrated solar platform system for offshore applications. The floating CSP application has high swimming stability and ensures that the platform is fully moveable with no sole lead of each mirror. Additionally, the company also provides multiple platforms combined with a central operating unit that includes a turbine, condenser, pumps, and optional thermal storage. Using the Azimuth tracking system helps the platform follow the sun and keep the angle ideal for absorbing optimal energy at any given point of time during the day.
HelioRec – Hydropower-Connected Solar PV Systems
Compared to traditional solar power generation, hydropower-connected floating solar systems maximize resource utilization by combining two powerful renewable energy sources. This synergy enables generating more energy, increasing economic benefits, and also solves environmental issues. Coupling photovoltaics within the hydropower system results in effective solar energy generation while the reservoir stores up water. This stored energy is released during peak demand to sustain the constant supply of renewable power.
French startup HelioRec performs complex hydropower-connected end-to-end solar projects. The startup’s unique design solutions allow it to lower the carbon footprint and produce a rapid-to-deploy and cost-effective source of power generation. HelioRec undertakes a feasibility study with topography diagnostics of the water body to provide hydropower yield estimates, grid evacuation diagnostic, technical and anchoring diagnostic, final plant configuration, and a provisional balance sheet with a draft quotation. Moreover, the company uses recycled plastic to manufacture hybrid hydropower floating solar power plants.
Ciel & Terre – Tracking-Based Floating PV Solution
Land-based PV plants lead to energy waste and involve complex mechanical apparatus. Floating platforms equipped with tracking systems allow for vertical axis tracking of solar cells enabling constant exposure to sunlight. As a result, this technology allows for producing a greater amount of electricity by adding a real-time sun-tracking function to the PV module.
French company Ciel & Terre designs and builds floating solar micro-grid platforms that collect, store, and redistribute renewable energy. The water-based PV concept HYDRELIO mixes hydro and solar power sources to save hydropower for intermittent times when energy demand is high. Additionally, these floating solar power generation systems are capable of tracking the movement of the sun to enhance the energy generation process and storage.
What About The Other 52 Solutions?
While we believe data is key to creating insights it can be easy to be overwhelmed by it. Our ambition is to create a comprehensive overview and provide actionable innovation intelligence so you can achieve your goals faster. The 5 floating photovoltaics solutions showcased above are promising examples out of 57 we analyzed for this article. To identify the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria, get in touch.
