Energy fluctuation of floating photovoltaic solar panel due to wave-induced motions

Solar photovoltaic is predicted to be the most widely used energy method in the future. However, the expansion of solar panels is currently limited by scarce land and lake spaces. To meet the world’s future clean energy target, floating solar panels are expected to be deployed on abundant ocean space, but floating solar panels on the ocean will be subject to loads and motions induced by waves. In particular, a continuous rotation can cause the solar panel surface to constantly change its sunlight intake angle, which could lead to a loss of energy. To investigate this phenomenon, a novel interdisciplinary experimental facility has been established, where a solar simulator was installed on top of a wave tank. A floating solar unit is placed in high-concentration light beams and subject to wave-induced motions. Its motions are measured and related to the power output. It was found that the average power output oscillates due to the motions, and an evident power loss was shown by the rotational motion. For all the tested wave conditions, the highest pitch amplitude of 6.7° corresponds to a significant level of 12.7% average power loss. Overall, the work presents a novel experimental approach and results that can estimate power output for floating solar projects in wave environments. The results also highlight the importance of considering wave attenuation technologies to avoid direct wave interaction with floating solar units.