Floating solar sustainability on land and ocean: A strategic assessment using SWOT-TWOS-PESTLE analysis | Science and Technology for Energy Transition (STET)

Decarbonizing Energy Systems: Smart Grid and Renewable Technologies

Open Access

Table 8

Floating solar electrical subsystem components and functions.

Subsystem type	Description	Components	Parameters	Functionality	Reference
Inverters	Convert the DC electricity produced by PV modules into AC electricity for grid compatibility.	Central inverters, string inverters, microinverters.	– Efficiency: 95–98%	Facilitate connection to the power grid and optimize energy output.	[70]
Inverters		Central inverters, string inverters, microinverters.	– Power rating: Up to several MW
Power management systems	Manage the flow of electricity between the PV modules, inverters, and the grid.	Controllers and monitoring systems.	– Response time: Real-time monitoring	Ensure efficient energy distribution and system performance monitoring.	[71]
Power management systems		Controllers and monitoring systems.	– Communication protocols: Modbus, CAN
Subsea cables	Underwater cables used to transmit electricity from floating solar arrays to onshore connections.	High-voltage AC or DC cables.	– Voltage rating: Up to 36 kV	Enable long-distance power transmission while minimizing losses.	[65]
Subsea cables		High-voltage AC or DC cables.	– Waterproofing: IP68 rated
Connectors and junction boxes	Components that connect individual PV modules and facilitate safe electrical connections.	Weatherproof connectors, junction boxes.	– Current rating: Up to 30 A	Protect electrical connections from water and environmental damage.
Connectors and junction boxes		Weatherproof connectors, junction boxes.	– IP rating: IP67 or higher
Energy storage systems	Batteries or other storage technologies to store excess energy generated by the system.	Lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, etc.	– Capacity: Varies (kWh)	Provide backup power and stabilize energy supply during low production periods.	[71]
Energy storage systems		Lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, etc.	– Cycle life: 3000–5000 cycles
Monitoring systems	Systems that track performance metrics of the floating solar installation in real-time.	Sensors, data loggers, and software interfaces.	– Data logging frequency: Every minute to hourly	Enable proactive maintenance and performance optimization through data analysis.	[72]
Monitoring systems		Sensors, data loggers, and software interfaces.	Communication range: Up to several kilometers via wireless protocols

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