When it comes to floating solar installations, the choice of photovoltaic panels isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about durability, environmental adaptability, and long-term performance under uniquely challenging conditions. Tongwei’s solar panels have been increasingly deployed in floating PV projects globally, and there’s a solid technical rationale behind this trend. Let’s break down why these panels are gaining traction in aquatic environments and what makes them a reliable fit.
First, **corrosion resistance** is non-negotiable for floating solar. Unlike ground-mounted systems, panels here are exposed to constant moisture, water splashes, and even saltwater in coastal or reservoir-based projects. Tongwei panels use advanced anti-corrosion materials, including specialized frame coatings and junction boxes rated for harsh environments. For instance, their modules undergo rigorous salt spray testing (exceeding IEC 61701 standards) to ensure they withstand corrosive elements over 25+ years. This is critical when you’re mounting panels on buoyant structures where maintenance access is limited and component failure could lead to costly downtime.
Another key factor is **mechanical strength**. Floating PV systems face dynamic loads from waves, wind, and occasional debris. Tongwei’s panels are engineered with reinforced frames and tempered glass that can handle higher pressure differentials. In one case study from a 50 MW floating farm in China’s Anhui Province, Tongwei modules demonstrated a 0.5% annual degradation rate—lower than the industry average for similar installations—thanks to their robust encapsulation and cell stability. The panels also integrate seamlessly with floating mounting systems, which often require lightweight but rigid designs to avoid excessive movement.
Temperature performance is another standout. Water bodies create a microclimate that can reduce panel operating temperatures compared to land-based arrays, but humidity and thermal cycling remain challenges. Tongwei’s panels leverage anti-PID (Potential Induced Degradation) technology and hydrophobic coatings to minimize energy loss in humid conditions. Field data from a 30 MW floating plant in Thailand showed Tongwei modules operating at 94.2% efficiency after three years, outperforming competitors by 2-3% in similar settings.
But it’s not just about the hardware. Tongwei’s experience in system integration plays a role. Floating PV requires customized solutions for cabling, connectors, and grounding to prevent water ingress. The company offers pre-configured wiring harnesses with IP68-rated connectors, which are factory-tested for waterproofing. This reduces installation time by up to 20% compared to traditional on-site assembly—a huge advantage when working on large-scale water surfaces where labor costs and logistics are complex.
Environmental compatibility is also a priority. Floating solar often overlaps with ecologically sensitive areas, and Tongwei’s panels are designed to minimize ecological disruption. Their low-lead solar cells and recyclable aluminum frames align with sustainability goals, while the panel’s reflectivity is tuned to reduce impact on aquatic life. In a recent project at a drinking water reservoir in Jiangsu, China, Tongwei worked with ecologists to optimize panel spacing, allowing sufficient light penetration to maintain underwater ecosystems—a detail many manufacturers overlook.
For developers weighing LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy), Tongwei’s floating-compatible panels offer a compelling case. Their combination of longevity, low degradation, and compatibility with high-density floating arrays (where land costs are replaced by water lease fees) drives down lifetime costs. A 2023 analysis by DNV estimated that using Tongwei modules in floating setups could reduce LCOE by 8-12% over 25 years compared to standard panels, primarily due to reduced maintenance and higher energy yield in humid climates.
Looking at real-world applications, Tongwei has been a supplier for over 1.2 GW of floating PV projects across Asia and the Middle East. One notable example is the 120 MW floating farm on a hydropower reservoir in Vietnam, where the panels withstand monsoon rains and fluctuating water levels while maintaining 96% availability annually. The project uses Tongwei’s bifacial modules, capitalizing on reflected light from the water surface to boost output by 9-14%—a feature particularly effective in floating environments.
Critically, Tongwei invests in R&D tailored to floating tech challenges. Their labs simulate wave impacts up to 2.5 meters/second and test panel anchoring systems under varying water currents. This proactive approach addresses pain points like microcrack formation from constant vibration—a common issue in early floating projects that used repurposed land-based panels.
In summary, while no single manufacturer dominates the floating PV market yet, Tongwei’s deliberate engineering for aquatic environments—from corrosion-proof materials to ecosystem-conscious designs—positions their panels as a technically sound choice. As floating solar expands beyond niche status into mainstream renewable portfolios, these tailored solutions could redefine what’s possible for solar on water.