Offshore solar pilot launches in North Sea

With the support of RWE, Dutch-Norwegian company SolarDuck, has installed the Merganser, its 0.5 MWp array of floating solar panels, approximately 12 kilometres off the coast of Scheveningen in the Netherlands.

The pilot aims to test the structural, mooring and electrical design of the six interconnected panels as well as determine what is needed for a large-scale commercial deployment.

“Standalone or also in combination with offshore wind farms, offshore floating solar could open up further offshore renewable energy opportunities – especially for countries with lower average wind speeds but lots of sunlight,” explained Sven Utermöhlen, chief executive of RWE Offshore Wind.

Offshore solar farms need to withstand challenging conditions. SolarDuck´s triangular-shaped, scalable platform is designed to float several metres above the water, following the waves like a carpet. The design received recently the world’s first certification for OFPV by Bureau Veritas.

“The successful installation of Merganser is proof of the dedication of SolarDuck’s team to electrify the world with offshore floating solar,” said Koen Burgers, chief executive, SolarDuck.

“Our project partner, RWE, is a supporter of our technology and vision, in addition to other partners such as TNO, TU Delft, MARIN, and Deltares.

“Together with numerous supply chain partners, including Damen Shipyards, TMA, and Norsk Hydro, we have turned hard work into a positive change for the energy space.”

Over the coming two years, Merganser will be monitored remotely through its more than 180 sensors. Deltares, a Dutch independent institute for applied research, will be on hand to monitor the ecological impact of OFPV.