Terminology for floating and pile-free solar

Sunsurf Solar's patented floating solar system. Consists of HDPE pontoons and frames in aluminium or coated steel that float with more than 1 m of clearance above the water, enabling air cooling and reflection from the water surface.

Sunsurf Solar's patented pile-free solar system for peatland, bogs and landfills. The system rests on HDPE pontoons on top of the ground without pile driving or excavation, protecting sensitive carbon sinks.

Sunsurf Solar's patented anchoring system that moors floating solar installations to shore and handles water-level variations of more than 6 metres without disturbing bottom sediments or protective liners.

A long-term electricity contract in which the customer buys renewable electricity directly from a producer at a fixed price, without investing in the solar installation itself. Typical PPA contracts run 10–25 years.

A business model in which Sunsurf Solar builds, finances, owns and maintains the solar installation on the customer's site. The customer pays only for the electricity consumed, at a predictable price.

A solar panel that generates electricity from both sides. In floating installations, reflection from the water surface increases output by up to 15% compared to single-sided, ground-mounted panels.

A rigid, UV-resistant plastic used in Sunsurf Solar's pontoons. HDPE withstands mechanical stress, chemicals and UV radiation, and is fully recyclable.

International standard (IEC 60529) that classifies how well an enclosure protects electrical components against dust and water. Sunsurf Solar's products are IP-rated for wet and corrosive environments.

Steel with a protective coating applied to resist corrosion in aggressive environments — for example leachate and landfill water. Used alongside aluminium in Sunsurf Solar's frames.

The European standard (EN 1990–EN 1999) for structural design. Sunsurf Solar's mounting systems are dimensioned to Eurocode for snow loads, wind loads and ice loads.

International standards organisation for renewable energy, particularly offshore. Sunsurf Solar's floating solar systems are dimensioned to DNV-GL for marine exposure and aquatic environments.

Wetland where dead plant matter has accumulated over time to form peat layers. Peatlands are significant carbon sinks but hard to build on without impact — PeatModule™ is engineered for this type of ground.

An ecosystem (such as peatland or forest) that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases. Preserving carbon sinks is central to climate action; Sunsurf Solar's pile-free technology enables solar installation without disturbing them.

A pond that collects contaminated water from landfills or industrial sites. Leachate ponds are well suited to floating solar because the surface is otherwise unused and often needs to be covered.

Restoration of drained peatland by raising the groundwater level. Rewetting reduces CO₂ emissions from peat and can be combined with PeatModule™ for a double climate benefit.

Combined use of the same land or water surface for both agriculture/irrigation and solar energy. Tångagård (Falkenberg) is an example where floating solar powers irrigation pumps on the same pond.