NanoEnzo and SolarDuck collaborate on Merganser Offshore Floating Solar Park

The energy transition requires innovative solutions to enable sustainable energy generation on a large scale. The Merganser offshore floating solar park, installed by the Dutch-Norwegian company SolarDuck in collaboration with energy company RWE, is an important step in this development. A crucial factor in this project is the maintenance and efficiency of the solar panels, in which NanoEnzo plays a key role with its advanced nanocoating technology.

Offshore Solar Parks: The Future of Sustainable Energy
SolarDuck aims to accelerate the roll-out of offshore floating solar parks and wants to realize 1 GW of capacity annually from 2030. Offshore solar parks offer a solution for the growing lack of space on land and can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. The Merganser project, located in the Dutch North Sea 12 kilometers from Scheveningen, serves as a pilot for further large-scale implementation.

This innovative concept comprises six connected platforms, anchored at a depth of 20 metres. Thanks to the unique floating design, the solar panels can withstand extreme weather conditions and continue to operate efficiently. One of the biggest challenges here is the maintenance and lifespan of the panels, as offshore locations are subject to saltwater, algae formation and other pollution. This is where NanoEnzo’s nanocoating offers a solution.

The Role of NanoEnzo’s Nanocoating

NanoEnzo specializes in innovative nanocoatings that protect solar panels from pollution and weather influences. The nanocoating used in the Merganser project offers several advantages:

• Self-Cleaning Properties: The coating has hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, which prevent water and dirt from adhering to the surface. This keeps the solar panels cleaner and maintains a higher efficiency.
• Protection Against Salt and Algae: Offshore environments present unique challenges, such as salt corrosion and growth of microorganisms. The nanocoating protects the panels from these harmful influences, which extends their lifespan.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Traditional cleaning methods are difficult and expensive to implement offshore. Thanks to the nanocoating, the need for frequent maintenance is reduced, leading to lower operational costs.
• Improved Light Transmittance: The coating is designed to minimize light reflection and maximize the energy yield of the panels.

Sensors and Data Analytics for Optimal Maintenance
The Merganser project is equipped with over 180 sensors that collect crucial data on the structural loads, interconnections and electrical performance of the solar panels. NanoEnzo’s nano-coating helps maintain optimal performance, allowing the collected data to provide valuable insights into the efficiency of the system under offshore conditions.

Conclusion
The collaboration between NanoEnzo and SolarDuck in the Merganser project is an example of how innovative technologies contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of renewable energy sources. By applying nano-coating to offshore solar panels, costs can be reduced and lifespan and performance can be optimized. This pilot project is an important step towards the large-scale implementation of offshore floating solar (OFPV), which will make offshore solar energy an increasingly prominent part of the global energy transition.