The first full-size prototype of the XolarSurf floating solar panel platform, with a capacity of 35 – 45 kW, has been deployed in the waters off Norway for testing.
After years of development, the Italian company Saipem and its partners have unveiled XolarSurf, the full-scale prototype of advanced floating solar module technology, as reported by Interesting Engineering on September 10. This marks an important milestone for offshore energy initiatives, and XolarSurf has recently entered real-world testing in the waters near Froya Island, Norway.
XolarSurf floating solar panel platform prototype. (Photo: Saipem).
The XolarSurf solar panel platform is specifically designed to generate electricity offshore. This structure can withstand waves up to 8 meters high, and its modular design provides flexibility, making it easy to relocate, transport, and reuse. Each platform consists of multiple floating buoys, providing a safe space for solar panels, with a maximum capacity of approximately 35 – 45 kW.
To install XolarSurf, a series of anchors and mooring lines will be attached to the seabed or shoreline. Subsequently, the floating solar panel platform is assembled on a vessel and towed to the anchorage position for secure placement. Experts will monitor the performance of the floating platform over the next year, as this is the first operational prototype.
“XolarSurf represents a new milestone in the floating solar energy sector, capable of being installed at any coastal or offshore location, even under harsh environmental conditions. It offers an optimal solution for mixed projects, such as offshore wind farms, both fixed and floating,” Saipem stated.
XolarSurf aims to provide essential power for the aquaculture industry and the ability to generate electricity offshore. Following industrialization to reduce production costs, XolarSurf can be mass-produced, making solar technology more accessible. Aquaculture systems for breeding, raising, and harvesting fish far from shore will benefit from this technology. The energy demand for such systems ranges from 4 – 715 MWh per year, depending on location, scale, and operational purpose.
Floating solar technology eliminates land usage and typically requires less maintenance, leading to an increasing demand for this technology. Floating solar panel systems also contribute to the energy transition, paving the way for a future that utilizes environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy solutions.
