China is spearheading offshore solar technology with the successful trial of circular rafts carrying solar panels in the Yellow Sea, 30 kilometers off the coast of Shandong province. The experiment, conducted by State Power Investment Corp. and Norway-based Ocean Sun AS, showcases the potential of offshore solar as a solution for land-constrained regions seeking to transition away from fossil fuels. While initial trials have been small-scale, developers are increasingly optimistic about the prospects of offshore solar becoming a significant segment in renewable energy.

Offshore solar offers a virtually unlimited application in regions with land constraints, including parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as densely populated areas like Singapore and Hong Kong. Shandong, located south of Beijing, plans to install over 11 gigawatts of offshore solar by 2025, with a long-term target of 42 gigawatts. Other Chinese provinces, such as Jiangsu, Fujian, and Tianjin, are also exploring offshore solar proposals. In addition to China, countries like Japan, the Netherlands, and Malaysia are conducting or preparing test projects.

The challenge of finding available land for large-scale solar installations is driving the exploration of alternative sites, including bodies of water. Floating solar projects have already been successfully implemented on lakes, reservoirs, fish farms, and dams in various countries. By utilizing water surfaces, it becomes possible to install solar systems in over 6,000 cities and communities worldwide, creating self-sufficient power systems without the need for farmlands or deforestation.

Although concerns about the environmental impacts of covering water bodies with solar panels exist, the potential of offshore solar is driving activity in the sector. China's Ministry of Science and Technology has prioritized the development of near-shore floating technologies, with a target to achieve progress by 2025. Companies like Sungrow Power Supply Co. are collaborating with researchers to advance offshore solar solutions.

Developers are exploring different concepts for offshore solar, including ring-shaped floaters and triangular platforms. Ocean Sun's floaters, made of high-density plastic pipes and a membrane with solar panels, move with the waves. Rotterdam-based SolarDuck AS mounts panels on triangular platforms and is testing its systems in locations such as Tokyo Bay and Tioman Island in Malaysia.

While offshore solar installations are currently estimated to be around 40 percent more expensive due to complex installations and costly subsea cables, advocates believe that technology advancements will drive down costs and expand the market. Longi Green Energy Technology Co., the world's largest producer of solar panels, is developing modules specifically suited for offshore conditions. China alone has the potential to accommodate approximately 700 gigawatts of offshore solar, equivalent to the combined electricity generation capacity of India and Japan.

Despite the challenges and debates about its scale, offshore solar holds tremendous potential to help countries with limited land resources reduce emissions and meet rising energy demand. With ongoing advancements and untapped potential, offshore solar remains an intriguing area for further exploration and development.