As the global demand for energy continues to increase, floating photovoltaic (FPV) power is gaining more attention as a promising clean energy source. This paper summarizes the unique advantages of FPV, such as its freedom from land restrictions, higher energy output, and potential integration with other forms of energy. However, FPV also faces challenges due to complex and harsh environmental conditions such as wind, waves, corrosion, and biological fouling. Therefore, the integrated mechanism design and the use of lightweight hydrophobic materials are crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of FPV systems under such conditions. This article also highlights certain key design points and optimization techniques that can improve the structural reliability of FPV systems. With continuous technological advancements and the accumulation of experience, the production efficiency of FPV has improved, leading to the expansion of FPV projects and a reduction in investment costs. As a result, the development of FPV has been accelerating globally, with numerous high-capacity projects being constructed. Building upon the previous literature reviews, this paper provides a concise review of the latest FPV case studies, innovative technologies, challenges in marine environments, economic costs, and market prospects from various perspectives. The primary objective is to encourage further research and application in the field of FPV.

In the context of rapidly increasing global energy demand, solar energy is considered one of the most promising alternatives due to its ubiquity and sustainability. Floating photovoltaics, which do not occupy land and offer higher power generation efficiency, are becoming increasingly popular. As a novel type of floating photovoltaic, membrane structures are drawing more attention due to their lightweight nature, easy installation, and cost-effectiveness. Based on the Ocean Sun's floating photovoltaic membrane prototype as a reference, this study designed and fabricated a 1:40 scale model for laboratory experiments. The research investigated the influence of different mooring configurations and lengths on the hydrodynamic characteristics of membrane structures. The conclusions indicate that structures with more anchor chains exhibit smaller amplitudes in various movements and mooring forces. As the mooring length decreases, the amplitudes of various structural movements decrease, but mooring forces increase. Compared to regular wave conditions, mooring has a more significant impact on structural motion responses under irregular waves. In practical engineering, a comprehensive consideration of structural safety and cost-effectiveness is necessary for design. The selection of appropriate mooring configurations and lengths plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe operation and sustainability of membrane structures.

Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems are increasingly deployed in offshore environments. Among various FPV concepts, membrane-type platforms offer distinct advantages, including reduced weight, lower material consumption, and cost-effectiveness. This study investigates the hydrodynamic response of a membrane-type offshore FPV system through a 1:40 scale physical model test based on the Ocean Sun prototype. Static-water free-decay tests were first conducted to determine the natural periods and damping characteristics in heave, surge, and pitch motions. Subsequently, irregular-wave tests were performed under seven sea states representative of an offshore demonstration site. Free-decay results show model-scale natural periods of approximately 1.0 s for heave, 0.8 s for pitch, and 15 s for surge. The long surge natural period avoids resonance with short-period waves, while the high damping in heave and pitch effectively limit dynamic amplification. Under irregular waves, heave and pitch motions remain small, whereas surge motion exhibits pronounced long-frequency excursions. Spectral analysis reveals a dominant low-frequency surge peak at f ≈ 0.067 Hz (corresponding to the natural period of 15 s), superimposed with higher-frequency components associated with wave-induced motions. A strong correlation is observed between low-frequency surge and mooring tensions. Across Sea States 1–6, the motion responses increase gradually, while a marked rise in the exceedance probability of mooring forces occurs only in the most severe sea state. Weibull extreme-value fits show good linearity, indicating that the measured extremes are statistically consistent. The results provide experimental data and design insights for membrane-type FPV systems, establishing a foundation for future hydroelastic studies.