FAQ | Sunsurf Solar

Here you will find answers to the most common questions about our floating photovoltaic system– PowerModule, a sustainable solution for renewable energy directly on the water surface.

Technology & Construction

Our floating solar systems are designed for Nordic conditions and can withstand strong winds, waves, ice formation and snow. The patented anchoring keeps the system stable and secure, regardless of the weather.
No, our solar systems do not need to be taken down in the winter. They are designed according to Eurocode standards and constructed to remain in place all year round, with full resistance to ice formation and snow loads.
When emptying, the system can remain in place – it stands stable on the bottom. If the pond needs maintenance, the system can be easily moved or dismantled without damage.
The mooring system is flexible and follows the movements of the water level. The standard system can handle over 6 meters of variation without affecting stability or production – perfect for irrigation dams, leachate dams and water reservoirs. For larger level differences, we collaborate with SeaFlex, which has solutions tested in dams with up to 50 meters of variation.
The systems are anchored to shore using Sunsurf Solar’s FlexibleMooringSystem™, which is designed to handle water level variations of more than 6 meters. The solution ensures stable operation and leaves the bottom completely unaffected.
No - all cables are routed along Sunsurf Solar's cable bridges, where they are protected against abrasion and impact from water movement. All cable management is carried out in accordance with Swedish standards.
Absolutely. Our systems can be combined with battery storage for increased self-sufficiency, power balancing and backup power.
Yes, we can deliver solutions for island operation (isolated systems) or off-grid where there is no electricity grid. Perfect for irrigation dams, water treatment or industrial areas.
A 100 kW floating solar system requires approximately 500 m² of water surface area depending on panel type and layout.

Environment & Water Impact

To best protect the water, the degree of coverage is an important factor. If the goal is to reduce algae blooms, it is actually an advantage to cover a larger part of the water surface with solar panels, as this limits the amount of light entering and prevents the growth of algae. However, if you want to preserve the natural state of the water without affecting it at all, you can choose a lower degree of coverage. The PowerModule design is also developed to allow both light and air through, which means that the impact on the pond ecosystem is minimal, even with greater coverage.
Our pontoons are made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) – a stable and safe material that does not break down into microplastics. The HDPE we use is approved for drinking water, and all materials are certified and tested for aquatic environments.
Yes, covering the water surface reduces evaporation.
Yes, reducing light penetration to the surface limits algae growth. This can improve water quality and reduce the need for other measures.
Our systems are always designed with bird life in mind. We have seen that birds sometimes seek shelter behind the system during harsh weather conditions, but they do not land on the solar panels. In ponds where there are many birds, a light cleaning of the solar panels at the beginning of summer can be necessary to maintain high efficiency.

Economy & Use

The payback period varies depending on factors such as self-consumption, the size of the solar park, and site conditions. Our goal is always to ensure that the solar installation becomes a profitable investment. That’s why we offer free consultations, where we calculate the payback period based on the specific needs of your operation.
Yes, we offer PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) for businesses that want a stable electricity price over time and at the same time lower their energy costs. With a PPA, you can take advantage of green electricity without having to tie up equity.
Yes - our systems are primarily designed for internal use, such as irrigation pumps, wastewater treatment plants, industrial properties or agriculture.
Floating photovoltaic systems are often more efficient thanks to the cooling effect from the water and the reflective surface. In addition, no land is required, which saves valuable agricultural area or industrial land. In terms of price, floating solar is on par with land-based solar power, and the parks are designed to be a long-term profitable investment.
Floating photovoltaic systems are good when the roof surface is not enough or has the wrong slope. In addition, they provide up to 15% higher efficiency thanks to the cooling and reflections from the water surface. Placing the system on water isolated from sensitive industries can also reduce fire risk and lower insurance costs. On the other hand, solar cell systems rarely cause fires, as the systems are safe, correctly installed, and certified according to applicable standards.

Lifetime & Recycling

Solar panels have a lifespan of 25–30 years, though they often continue to perform well beyond that. The manufacturers we work with guarantee that the panels will retain at least 80% of their capacity after 25 years. In addition, the solar panels used in our systems meet industry standards and come with a performance warranty. However, our mounting system is designed for a durability of 40 years.
Our assembly system is fully recyclable. The aluminum can be returned to the material cycle, and our pontoon supplier can take back the pontoons when they are worn out to manufacture new ones from the same material. In this way, we ensure circular and sustainable use of resources throughout the system's life cycle.
The system can be easily dismantled. We offer take-back and recycling solutions as part of our sustainability work.

Permits & Regulations

Usually, no building permit is required for floating photovoltaic systems, but the rules can vary depending on the location and size of the system. We help with all applications and contacts with the County Administrative Board and the municipality to ensure that everything is approved before installation.

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our pile-free solar power solution PeatModule™ – a sustainable technology for energy on peatland and landfill.

Technology & Construction

PeatModule™ is an above-ground solar power solution that is installed without piling or excavation. The mounting system consists of a supporting structure made of HDPE pontoons and aluminum frames, which evenly distribute the weight to prevent soil damage or settling. The construction is fully reversible — it can be relocated or removed without leaving a trace.
The fact that the system is pile-free means that we do not drive any piles into the ground. Instead, wide pontoons are used that lie on top of the ground surface. This minimizes point loads and makes installation easy.
Yes. PeatModule™ is developed in Sweden for Nordic conditions. The flexible construction follows the natural movements of the ground and can withstand frost, failure and subsidence without affecting the production or stability of the solar panels.
The weight from the solar panels is evenly distributed through the mounting system to minimize pressure and preserve the soil structure, which is important on sensitive peatlands and landfills.
Cables are routed through the mounting system, where they are protected against abrasion and external influences. All cable management is carried out in accordance with Swedish standards.
The system is semi-floating and designed to withstand periodically flooded areas. The construction is not affected by water and remains stable even at high soil moisture levels.
The installation is always adapted to the ground conditions and planned in a way that best suits the location. The exact installation method is evaluated in connection with the design to ensure a safe, effective and sustainable solution.
Yes. The entire system can be dismantled and moved to a new location without losing function or warranty.

Environment & Climate Benefit

For several reasons, peatlands that have been rewetted are rarely suitable for agriculture or construction, and they usually have low natural values. Similarly, closed landfills are well suited for solar power, as using PeatModule avoids piling in the ground and thus reduces the risk of methane gas emissions. By using these areas, we can produce green energy without competing with food production or other activities – an efficient and sustainable use of land.
Yes. PeatModule™ is specifically designed to be combined with rewetting. This allows peatlands to be restored while solar energy is produced – a unique double environmental value.
Yes. Our solutions make it possible to build large-scale solar power on land that is otherwise not used productively – without taking up agricultural land. It is one of the cornerstones of Sunsurf Solar's product development.

Economy & Use

The payback period varies depending on factors such as self-consumption, the size of the solar park and the conditions of the site. Our goal is always for the solar park to be a profitable investment. That is why we offer free consultations where we calculate the payback period based on your specific business.
Yes, we offer PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) for businesses that want a stable electricity price over time and at the same time lower their energy costs. With a PPA , you can take advantage of green electricity without having to tie up equity.
Yes. We offer flexible business models – you can lease the land to Sunsurf.
In terms of price, pile-free solar power is on par with land-based solar power, but with several practical advantages. Since the systems do not require piling, less ground work is needed, which often makes installation both easier and faster. At the same time, the parks are designed to be a long-term profitable investment with low environmental impact.

Lifetime & Recycling

Solar panels have a lifespan of 25–30 years, but often work longer, the manufacturers we use guarantee that the panels retain at least 80% of their output after 25 years. In addition, the solar panels used for our systems follow industry standards and are delivered with an output guarantee. However, our mounting system has a 40-year durability.
Our assembly system is fully recyclable. The aluminum can be returned to the material cycle, and our pontoon supplier can take back the pontoons at the end of their life to manufacture new ones from the same material. In this way, we ensure a circular and sustainable use of resources throughout the system's life cycle.
The system can be easily dismantled. We offer take-back and recycling solutions as part of our sustainability work.

Permits & Regulations

The rules may vary depending on the location and size of the system. We assist with all applications and contacts with the County Administrative Board and the municipality to ensure that everything is approved before installation.