Mibet, a Chinese supplier of PV mounting systems, says it has started operating a 51 kW offshore PV pilot project in Xiamen, southeastern China. The 563,286 m² system, which includes 112 panels, can accommodate framed and double-glazed PV modules with 60 and 72 cells.
China’s Mibet has launched a 51 kW offshore PV project in coastal waters off Xiamen, Fujian province, covering an area of 563,286 m² and operating under maritime conditions for 10 months. A company spokesperson said the demonstration project is performing well.
“Currently, floating offshore photovoltaic projects in China are still in the demonstration phase,” the spokesperson said pv magazine. “This project has not yet sold or supplied electricity to any entity and is still in the offshore testing phase. It is not yet connected to coastal stations.”
The 112-panel floating system consists mainly of steel and inorganic inert materials. Steel walkways, coated for corrosion resistance, provide rigidity and reduce large-scale vibration. Flexible connections between beams help minimize the impact of wave forces.
“The project used inorganic, inert materials for floats, ensuring physical performance for up to 25 years. The float design has a cylindrical shape with highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel embedded around the surface,” the company said. “It includes allowances, anti-slip rubber elements and interference fits; each float offers excellent carrying and anti-disconnection capabilities. The design also includes reserved areas for consumables to reduce biological attachment and corrosion, prevent the array from sinking and reduce the impact of seawater on the mounting points and modules.”
Mibet noted that the new project includes framed and double-glazed PV modules with 60 and 72 cells. The modules provide resistance to UV aging, resistance to salt spray, resistance to moist heat and self-cleaning properties
“Mibet’s floating offshore project conducted durability testing focused on the corrosion and aging performance of floating supports, modules, floats, anchors and mooring structures in marine environments,” the company said. “The project subjected the system to extreme marine corrosion environments classified as ‘CX’ and ‘Im2.4.’”
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