With the rapid increase in photovoltaic (PV) installations over the past few years, global PV system installations are expected to surpass 450 GW this year. As suitable land resources become increasingly scarce, the market must explore more diverse PV applications. At this year’s SNEC, the world’s largest solar exhibition, many module manufacturers showcased products tailored for different environments, with floating and desert PV applications standing out. These innovative applications not only address land scarcity but also integrate with local ecosystems, offering both economic and environmental benefits.
This article explores the application scenarios, technical characteristics, and future potential of floating and desert PV technologies. Through case studies, we will analyze their advantages and challenges in real-world applications.
Floating PV: Applications and Features
Floating PV is an emerging and promising technology that involves installing solar panels on water surfaces for power generation. It offers multiple advantages, including environmental protection, economic benefits, and social value. In terms of installation, using eco-friendly materials helps preserve aquatic ecosystems, while simplified and rapid deployment reduces construction costs and avoids land ownership disputes commonly faced in ground-mounted PV projects.
Floating PV can be classified into two categories: offshore and inland water bodies. Inland projects include installations on lakes, reservoirs, abandoned mining pits, artificial lakes, and ponds.
Technical Features
For module selection, bifacial glass modules are highly effective in floating PV applications, as they address water vapor permeability issues and can improve power generation by 5-10% compared to ground-mounted systems. In terms of system design, water bodies with depths of less than 3 meters typically use fixed-pile foundations, while deeper waters (over 3 meters) rely on floating structures, such as pontoon-based or box-based platforms. Since floating PV installations are often faster and simpler than land-based ones, developers are increasingly exploring this sector, creating a differentiated market for module manufacturers. This trend was evident at SNEC, where many companies showcased PV modules specifically designed for water-based applications, reflecting the significant growth potential of floating solar.
As floating PV gains traction, China is expected to commence offshore PV projects totaling 2-3 GW this year, mainly in coastal provinces such as Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Fujian. Many of these projects are scheduled for construction between late 2024 and early 2025, with shipments beginning in Q4 2024. Notably, Sungrow Floating PV, which holds the largest market share, remains the only company capable of building floating PV projects in waters over 100 meters deep.
Beyond large-scale offshore installations, inland water-based PV projects in China also present significant opportunities. These projects can be categorized as centralized or distributed systems. Centralized inland PV projects, often built in subsidence areas from coal mining, typically range from 50 to 200 MW. Meanwhile, distributed pond-based PV projects generally range from 5 to 30 MW. In total, China’s inland water PV projects show substantial potential, and Infolink expects China’s floating PV installations to surpass 5 GW this year, with global cumulative installations reaching 7-8 GW.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite its promising growth, floating PV faces several challenges, including complex construction and maintenance requirements. Additionally, concerns over water quality and aquatic ecosystems require further validation through case studies. In response, companies are introducing solutions to address these issues. For example, Sungrow Floating PV implemented food-grade materials in its 60 MW reservoir project in Singapore to ensure water quality safety. With more companies adopting innovative technologies and stringent environmental standards, public acceptance of floating PV is gradually increasing, paving the way for sustainable development.
Desert PV: Applications and Features
Desert PV capitalizes on abundant sunlight and vast, open landscapes to achieve high efficiency and cost-effective power generation. China is a global leader in desert solar initiatives, with large-scale projects in arid regions such as Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. The "Shagehuang" initiative, China’s first 10 GW-level hybrid solar and wind power base, exemplifies this trend. The first phase (1 GW) has already been connected to the grid, while the second and third phases are under construction.
Due to stricter land-use regulations for large-scale solar farms, developers are increasingly turning to desert areas, where land acquisition is easier. Moreover, desert PV projects contribute to environmental restoration by aiding afforestation efforts, making "solar-powered desert greening" an emerging strategy.
Technical Challenges and Adaptations
Desert environments pose extreme challenges for PV modules, including high temperatures, large daily temperature variations, intense ultraviolet radiation, and sandstorms. To address these issues, manufacturers are advancing technologies such as thicker glass for sand resistance, anti-dust coatings, and improved thermal endurance.
In certain regions, specific regulations must be met. For example, in Inner Mongolia, solar projects must integrate energy storage for grid stability and require local PV module and battery production. Moreover, transmission constraints in northwestern China limit electricity exports to other provinces, reducing interest in desert PV projects. As a result, demand for desert PV development remains relatively limited in 2024.
Future Prospects
Both floating and desert PV technologies represent promising directions for the future of renewable energy. To maximize economic benefits, some floating PV projects incorporate aquaculture and eco-tourism, forming an integrated "solar-fishery" model. Meanwhile, desert PV projects are exploring multifunctional approaches, integrating solar power with agriculture and ecological restoration to develop sustainable desert parks.
Although these applications currently remain niche markets globally, continued technological advancements and supportive policies could drive their expansion. With increasing environmental concerns and energy demand, both floating and desert PV have the potential to achieve a balance between economic viability and environmental sustainability, creating a win-win scenario for the energy transition.
