Sungrow FPV Pioneering Floating Solar Solutions for India and Beyond – Bernard Shao, Director – EMEA, Americas & South Asia

As a global leader in floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology, Sungrow FPV continues to redefine solar innovation across diverse water bodies. With over 4 GW of floating solar projects worldwide, the company is adapting its proven expertise to India’s unique climatic and hydrological conditions, supporting the nation’s growing clean energy ambitions.

In this exclusive interview with Bernard Shao, Director – EMEA, Americas & South Asia, Sungrow FPV, we explore the company’s differentiators, its strategic alignment with India’s renewable energy roadmap, and the exciting advancements shaping the future of floating solar.

What are Sungrow FPV’s key differentiators in floating solar technology for diverse water bodies?

Sungrow FPV is a global pioneer in floating solar technology — the world’s first large-scale FPV power station and the first GW-level FPV system supplier. Holding the No. 1 global market share for seven consecutive years, Sungrow FPV continues to deliver reliable and innovative solutions across a wide range of water bodies.

Our differentiation lies in several key aspects. With a global production capacity exceeding 5 GW, distributed across multiple countries and regions, we ensure timely and efficient delivery. Our solutions are designed for the widest range of application scenarios — including large reservoirs, hydropower dams, mining subsidence areas, offshore projects, and regions affected by typhoons.

In terms of floating structure design, Sungrow FPV’s systems are compatible with solar modules of various brands and dimensions, allowing us to meet diverse project requirements. Our in-house design team collaborates closely with clients to customize structures — not only for solar modules, but also for inverters, combiner boxes, and other components. Additionally, the design of the floating barge plays a crucial role in FPV projects, particularly in large water reservoirs.

For anchoring systems, we offer highly customized one-stop services, including preliminary and detailed design, third-party certification coordination, material supply, and on-site support. This is especially beneficial in challenging scenarios — such as areas with high winds and waves, deep or uneven water bodies, or environments with strong corrosivity.

With over 4 GW of FPV deployed globally, what lessons has Sungrow FPV adapted for India’s market?

With more than 4 GW of floating PV projects deployed worldwide — across reservoirs, mining pits, and coastal environments — Sungrow FPV has accumulated extensive experience across diverse climates and water conditions. We’ve applied these learnings to develop customized solutions tailored to India’s unique environment — characterized by seasonal water fluctuations, high temperatures, and strong monsoon conditions.

Our localized anchoring designs, UV-resistant floats, and modular layouts ensure durability, easy maintenance, and operational efficiency. Supported by in-house manufacturing and a strong local technical team, we deliver cost-effective, one-stop FPV solutions optimized for Indian reservoirs and utility-scale applications — maximizing energy yield while conserving land and water resources for sustainable growth.

What are the main cost and maintenance challenges for FPV, and how does Sungrow FPV address them?

The floating body system represents the major cost component in FPV projects, with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) floats typically accounting for 25% to 40% of total investment. Mooring systems can further add to costs, particularly when adapting to fluctuating water levels and strong wind or wave conditions. Additionally, aquatic environments demand higher-grade, anti-corrosive, and well-insulated equipment.

Sungrow FPV addresses these challenges through a modular float design that simplifies installation and enhances scalability. We focus on material innovation, intelligent operation and maintenance, and ecological integration — ensuring long-term reliability, safety, and cost-efficiency in every project.

How is Sungrow FPV aligning its FPV strategy with India’s evolving renewable energy policies and tenders?

Sungrow FPV’s strategy is closely aligned with India’s renewable energy roadmap and government tenders emphasizing land optimization and water conservation. By utilizing underused water bodies, FPV systems support India’s twin goals of energy security and sustainability.

Our floating solar solutions help reduce water evaporation, enhance power generation efficiency, and eliminate land-use conflicts — all of which are central to India’s clean energy transition. With localized designs, strong EPC partnerships, and alignment with state FPV initiatives, Sungrow FPV is driving large-scale deployment of water-based solar projects, reinforcing India’s vision of a diversified, resilient, and low-carbon energy future.

What innovations or advancements can we expect from Sungrow FPV in floating PV over the next few years?

Sungrow FPV continues to lead the evolution of floating solar technology through enhanced design, digital intelligence, and sustainability. In the coming years, we’re focused on developing next-generation FPV systems featuring higher energy density, advanced buoyancy materials, and intelligent monitoring tools for predictive maintenance.

We are also investing in advancements such as improved anchoring systems, hybrid FPV-hydropower-storage integrations, and AI-driven performance optimization. Additionally, our commitment to eco-friendly materials and low-carbon manufacturing ensures that Sungrow FPV solutions not only deliver superior performance but also contribute meaningfully to global and Indian clean energy and climate goals.