This project investigated how solar panels can be installed on water—like lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas—to generate clean electricity without using land. Led by Queen’s University Belfast and SolarMarine Energy Ltd., the team developed and tested floating solar platforms designed to withstand wind, waves, and other environmental challenges.
They built a prototype and used advanced computer models and lab tests to study how the platforms behave in different conditions. The results helped improve design standards and showed that floating solar could be a reliable energy source for Northern Ireland. The team also explored combining solar panels with heat collectors and energy storage systems to create hybrid solutions.
A feasibility study focused on deploying floating solar in the Foyle Port area, with plans for small demonstration units and larger commercial arrays. The project also supports a broader vision for “Power-to-X” systems, where renewable electricity is used to produce hydrogen and heat for homes and businesses.
Floating solar offers many benefits: it saves land, cools panels for better efficiency, and can be scaled from small community projects to large offshore installations. This project positions Northern Ireland as a leader in this emerging field and highlights opportunities for job creation, energy savings, and climate action.