Floating PV (FPV) is widely seen as the 3rd pillar of the solar industry, after ground-mounted and rooftop solar. By the end of 2025, around 11 GWp have been installed cumulatively. While not small, it is still a niche application when compared to the ~3 TWp of global installed PV capacity. Nevertheless, the potential for FPV is enormous. SERIS has recently published reports detailing global potentials for onshore and for near- and offshore FPV, respectively. The possibilities are in the multi-Terawatt range for both onshore and for near-/offshore. Against this backdrop, our expert panelists from the research and industrial sectors will shed light on what are the barriers for a wider adoption and what needs to concretely happen to unlock this huge potential. The issues typically range from bankability to still evolving technology, unclear performance, unknown environmental impacts, and logistics in remote areas. For offshore FPV, the challenges are aggravated by the stronger dynamic forces from wind & waves, higher salinity levels and biofouling. Ultimately, it’s the techno-economics of FPV that will make the difference and will determine whether the technology rises out of its niche and eventually becomes mainstream.
This panel discussion will bring together leading experts to examine the opportunities, challenges, and market outlook for Floating PV. Topics will include technology development, project economics, environmental considerations, and investment perspectives, with a particular focus on one key question: What will it take for Floating PV to move from a niche application to a mainstream segment of the global solar industry?
