Oct 16, 2025
Floating solar panels inspired by spiderweb structure.
A team of researchers from Scotland's University of Strathclyde has introduced a new concept for floating photovoltaic (FPV) farms resembling a web structure. The design's technical viability was assessed using the Morison model, which is typically used for evaluating wave loads on offshore installations. Different FPV configurations were tested to see how environmental loads and other factors impacted them.
First co-author Zhi-Ming Yuan explained that the web-type floating design is inspired by spider webs, creating a large elastic framework on the ocean surface to support modular solar plants. The characteristics of spider webs—such as low material costs, high damage resilience, and ease of repair—are ideal for future offshore solar farms.
The researchers outlined two design concepts based on web structure types. The first design uses web frames made up of spiral and radial lines, allowing the system to flex in response to waves. The second design is positioned between offshore wind turbine towers, which lend structural support to the web. Both configurations have a square PV array layout.
Elastic ropes serve as the main load-bearing elements, forming a flexible web that absorbs wave energy through elastic deformation. Yuan noted that this innovative design has significant potential for scaling from several megawatts to gigawatts for various offshore needs.
To study load distribution on the ropes, the researchers employed the Riflex simulation tool, analyzing PV configurations of 1 × 1, 2 × 1, 3 × 1, and 3 × 3 modules, each measuring 2 meters square and 0.8 meters high with a 1-meter gap between modules. The synthetic ropes in the simulations had a density of 1.65 kg·m⁻¹ in water, a diameter of 38 mm, and a breaking strength of 219 kN. Various wave directions and wavelengths were tested, including a scenario simulating rope failure.
A surprising finding was that the motion phase of floating PV modules was more crucial than the motion amplitude. When large waves occurred, the solar modules on the flexible web frame moved together as a single unit, with minimal relative motion between adjacent modules. This design effectively transferred loads and minimized "snap loads" on ropes and floats, enhancing survivability in open water.
For the 1 × 1, 2 × 1, and 3 × 1 module setups, motion and rope tension responses were consistent across different wavelengths. However, the 3 × 3 arrangement showed unbalanced tension distribution when wave direction aligned with the ropes, raising failure risks.
Zhi-Ming concluded that the design and research of this web-type FPV farm are still at an early proof-of-concept stage. The Strathclyde team is focused on commercializing this concept and collaborating with academic and industrial partners in Europe, such as Seaflex and Sperra, to secure EU funding. If successful, they aim to elevate the technology readiness level (TRL) to 4 within the next three years.
First co-author Zhi-Ming Yuan explained that the web-type floating design is inspired by spider webs, creating a large elastic framework on the ocean surface to support modular solar plants. The characteristics of spider webs—such as low material costs, high damage resilience, and ease of repair—are ideal for future offshore solar farms.
The researchers outlined two design concepts based on web structure types. The first design uses web frames made up of spiral and radial lines, allowing the system to flex in response to waves. The second design is positioned between offshore wind turbine towers, which lend structural support to the web. Both configurations have a square PV array layout.
Elastic ropes serve as the main load-bearing elements, forming a flexible web that absorbs wave energy through elastic deformation. Yuan noted that this innovative design has significant potential for scaling from several megawatts to gigawatts for various offshore needs.
To study load distribution on the ropes, the researchers employed the Riflex simulation tool, analyzing PV configurations of 1 × 1, 2 × 1, 3 × 1, and 3 × 3 modules, each measuring 2 meters square and 0.8 meters high with a 1-meter gap between modules. The synthetic ropes in the simulations had a density of 1.65 kg·m⁻¹ in water, a diameter of 38 mm, and a breaking strength of 219 kN. Various wave directions and wavelengths were tested, including a scenario simulating rope failure.
A surprising finding was that the motion phase of floating PV modules was more crucial than the motion amplitude. When large waves occurred, the solar modules on the flexible web frame moved together as a single unit, with minimal relative motion between adjacent modules. This design effectively transferred loads and minimized "snap loads" on ropes and floats, enhancing survivability in open water.
For the 1 × 1, 2 × 1, and 3 × 1 module setups, motion and rope tension responses were consistent across different wavelengths. However, the 3 × 3 arrangement showed unbalanced tension distribution when wave direction aligned with the ropes, raising failure risks.
Zhi-Ming concluded that the design and research of this web-type FPV farm are still at an early proof-of-concept stage. The Strathclyde team is focused on commercializing this concept and collaborating with academic and industrial partners in Europe, such as Seaflex and Sperra, to secure EU funding. If successful, they aim to elevate the technology readiness level (TRL) to 4 within the next three years.