With an 18,000-km coastline and more than 4.7 million square kilometers of offshore waters, China has a theoretical offshore solar potential of nearly 70 GW. Many provinces are already laying out offshore PV plans, and floating offshore solar is gaining momentum thanks to policy support. Recently, Sungrow FPV participated in several PV technology forums, where it held detailed exchanges with experts on the opportunities, challenges, research and development progress, and future direction of floating offshore PV.

Floating PV Goes Offshore: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist

"Offshore floating PV projects still face significant technical hurdles today. That's why Sungrow FPV started research and development in this field as early as 2017, and has since overcome critical challenges—ranging from structural design and environmental load analysis to corrosion resistance, biofouling prevention, anchoring system optimization, and wave suppression."

The China Power Offshore PV Development Forum took place on March 21 at the Xiamen International Conference Center Hotel in Fujian. Wu Hao, Director of Sungrow FPV's Product Center, was among the invited speakers and gave a keynote address, joining fellow experts in exploring trends and solutions for nearshore PV projects.

Wu Hao noted that floating PV systems are typically designed for a 25-year lifespan. To endure the long-term effects of wind, waves, and marine life, Sungrow FPV has developed an eco-friendly proprietary material that resists biofouling and has reinforced the corrosion protection of platform materials and metal structures. The anchoring system—which secures the PV array in place and prevents it from drifting under wind or current forces—is key to the overall reliability of offshore floating plants. Sungrow FPV addresses this through time-domain coupling analysis of wind, wave, and current loads, designing both the overall system and its components—from foundations to connectors—to ensure array stability and dependability.

Chasing Solar Power Offshore Requires a "Step-by-Step" Approach

At the TÜV NORD Solar and Storage Technology Seminar in Suzhou on March 23, Wu Weiwu, Deputy General Manager of Sungrow FPV, provided a comprehensive overview of critical technologies and future research priorities for offshore floating PV.

"Offshore solar will evolve progressively—moving outward from sheltered nearshore zones, where it can first take root, to deeper and more exposed waters as the technology and supply chain advance. Currently, the sector is still at an early stage, and we need more basic research to help control risks and improve investment efficiency from a technical standpoint."

Wu Weiwu noted that reliability and cost remain major hurdles, requiring extensive fundamental research. To succeed in offshore solar, he emphasized the importance of setting the right course, breaking the big vision into manageable steps, keeping technology at the core, and moving forward strategically—step by step—toward the final goal.

As more regional policies take effect, China's offshore PV sector is expected to enter a new phase of accelerated growth. Sungrow FPV will continue to partner with industry peers, drive standardization efforts, and contribute to the thriving expansion of the floating offshore PV market.