Question 1

What is Sunsurf Solar?

Accepted Answer

Sunsurf Solar is a Swedish developer of floating and pile-free solar systems, founded in Gothenburg in 2020. We design, build and operate patented installations on water, peatland and landfill — places where conventional solar simply doesn't fit.

Question 2

Who founded Sunsurf Solar?

Accepted Answer

Sunsurf Solar was founded on 18 September 2020 by Marc Montgomery, Martin Örgård and Björn Larsson. The founders bring backgrounds in engineering and environmental science, with experience from the offshore sector.

Question 3

Where is Sunsurf Solar based?

Accepted Answer

Sunsurf Solar is headquartered at Vasagatan 7, 411 24 Gothenburg, Sweden. Company registration number: 559272-2168.

Question 4

What is the largest floating solar park in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

Sweden's largest floating solar installation is the Miljöhantering i Jönköping park, commissioned by Sunsurf Solar in June 2025. It has 116.1 kWp of installed capacity, 48 PowerModule™ units, and avoids around 21 tonnes of CO₂-equivalents a year.

Question 5

Which countries does Sunsurf Solar operate in?

Accepted Answer

Sunsurf Solar operates in Sweden, with installations in Västra Götaland, Småland, Halland and Skåne. The technology is built for Nordic conditions.

Question 6

How many installations has Sunsurf Solar delivered?

Accepted Answer

Sunsurf Solar has commissioned floating and pile-free installations at Sötåsen Naturbruksgymnasium (2022 pilot), Tångagård in Falkenberg, Säve Plantskola in Gothenburg, Hyllstofta in Klippan (Nårab), Miljöhantering i Jönköping (Sweden's largest, 2025) and Kättilstorp in Falköping (Sweden's first peat-adapted solar installation, 2024).

Question 7

What products does Sunsurf Solar develop?

Accepted Answer

Three patented systems: PowerModule™ for floating solar on water, PeatModule™ for pile-free solar on peatland and landfill, and FlexibleMooringSystem™ — an anchoring solution that handles water-level changes of more than 6 metres.

Question 8

Are the systems built for Nordic conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our floating solar systems are developed for the Nordic climate and hold up under strong winds, waves, ice formation and snow. The patented anchoring keeps the system stable in any weather.

Question 9

Do the systems need to come out in winter?

Accepted Answer

No — they stay in place year-round. Engineered to Eurocode standards, they handle ice formation and snow loads without issue.

Question 10

How large a water surface is needed for a 100 kW installation?

Accepted Answer

A 100 kW floating installation needs about 500 m² of water surface, depending on panel type and layout.

Question 11

How much of the water surface should be covered?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the goal. To reduce algal blooms, a higher coverage ratio helps — it limits light penetration and slows growth. To keep the water in something closer to its natural state, a lower coverage ratio is the right call. PowerModule's design lets both light and air through either way.

Question 12

Can the systems be combined with battery storage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our systems pair with battery storage for greater self-sufficiency, load balancing and backup power.

Question 13

Can you deliver island-mode or off-grid solutions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can deliver island-mode (isolated) or off-grid setups where there's no grid connection — ideal for irrigation ponds, water treatment facilities and industrial sites.

Question 14

How are the systems anchored?

Accepted Answer

The systems are anchored to land via Sunsurf Solar's FlexibleMooringSystem™, built to handle water-level changes of more than 6 metres. It delivers stable operation and leaves the bottom undisturbed.

Question 15

How are water-level variations handled?

Accepted Answer

The anchoring is flexible and follows the water level. The standard system handles over 6 metres of variation without affecting stability or output — well suited to irrigation ponds, leachate ponds and reservoirs. For larger swings we work with SeaFlex, which has solutions tested in ponds with up to 50 metres of variation.

Question 16

What happens if the pond is drained?

Accepted Answer

The system can stay in place — it rests stably on the bottom. If the pond needs maintenance, the installation can be moved or dismantled cleanly.

Question 17

Are the cables run underwater?

Accepted Answer

No. All cables run along Sunsurf Solar's cable walkways, where they're protected against abrasion and water movement. Cable management follows Swedish standards.

Question 18

Are the pontoons made from safe materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The pontoons are made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) — a stable, safe material that doesn't break down into microplastics. The HDPE we use is approved for drinking water, and all materials are certified and tested for aquatic environments.

Question 19

Do the solar panels reduce evaporation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Covering the water surface reduces evaporation.

Question 20

Do the solar panels affect algae growth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lower light penetration at the surface curbs algae growth, which can improve water quality and reduce the need for other interventions.

Question 21

How does birdlife react?

Accepted Answer

Our installations are designed with birdlife in mind. Birds occasionally shelter behind the installation in rough weather, but don't land on the panels themselves. In ponds with a large bird population, a light clean of the panels at the start of summer can be worthwhile to keep output high.

Question 22

What's the payback period?

Accepted Answer

It depends on factors like self-consumption, the size of the park and the site itself. We aim to make every installation a profitable investment, and offer free consultations where we calculate the payback period for your specific operation.

Question 23

Do you offer PPA agreements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) for businesses that want a stable electricity price over time while cutting energy costs. With a PPA you can access clean electricity without tying up your own capital.

Question 24

Can we sell electricity back to the grid?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but our systems are primarily designed for on-site use: irrigation pumps, water treatment, industrial sites or farms.

Question 25

How do floating panels differ from ground-mounted ones?

Accepted Answer

Floating panels often outperform ground-mounted arrays thanks to the cooling effect and reflection from the water surface. They also free up land, leaving farmland or industrial land available for other use. We produce a concrete payback calculation during the feasibility study.

Question 26

Why choose floating panels over a rooftop install?

Accepted Answer

Floating panels are a strong option when there isn't enough roof area, or the pitch is wrong. They also deliver up to 15% higher output thanks to water cooling and surface reflection. Siting the installation on water — away from sensitive buildings — can also reduce fire risk and lower insurance costs.

Question 27

How long do the solar panels last?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels typically last 25–30 years, often longer. The manufacturers we work with guarantee at least 80% of rated output after 25 years. The mounting system itself has a 40-year service life.

Question 28

What happens to the system at end of life?

Accepted Answer

The mounting system is fully recyclable. The aluminium and coated steel are returned to the material cycle, and our pontoon supplier takes back the pontoons at end of life to make new ones from the same material — closing the loop.

Question 29

Can the system be dismantled?

Accepted Answer

Yes — easily. We offer take-back and recycling as part of our sustainability commitment.

Question 30

Is planning permission required?

Accepted Answer

Usually not for floating solar, but the rules vary by location and project size. We handle all applications and communication with the County Administrative Board and the municipality to make sure everything is approved before installation.

Question 31

What does "pile-free" mean?

Accepted Answer

No piles are driven into the ground. Instead, wide pontoons rest on the ground surface — distributing the load and keeping installation straightforward.

Question 32

Does PeatModule™ work in a Nordic climate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PeatModule™ was developed in Sweden for Nordic conditions. The flexible structure follows the ground's natural movement and holds up under frost heave, ground shift and settlement, without affecting the output or stability of the array.

Question 33

How is ground pressure managed?

Accepted Answer

The weight from the panels is spread evenly across the mounting system. That keeps point loads low and preserves the ground structure — particularly important on sensitive peatland and landfill.

Question 34

Can the system handle flooded surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The system is semi-floating and built for periodically flooded ground. The structure is unaffected by water and stays stable in high ground moisture.

Question 35

How is PeatModule™ installed?

Accepted Answer

PeatModule™ is a surface-mounted system — no pile driving, no excavation. The load-bearing structure is HDPE pontoons with aluminium or coated-steel frames that spread the weight evenly. The ground isn't damaged and there's no settlement. The whole thing is fully reversible — it can be moved or removed without leaving a trace.

Question 36

How is the installation adapted to the site?

Accepted Answer

Every installation is sized to the site. The exact installation method is set during the design phase to give the safest, most efficient and most sustainable outcome.

Question 37

How are the cables managed?

Accepted Answer

Cables run through the mounting system, where they're protected against abrasion and external impact. Cable management follows Swedish standards.

Question 38

Can the system be moved to a new location?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The whole system can be dismantled and moved without losing function or warranty.

Question 39

Why are peatlands and landfills well suited to solar?

Accepted Answer

Rewetted peatland is rarely useful for agriculture or construction, and typically has low conservation value. Capped landfill is similar — and pile-free siting avoids disturbing the cap and the methane risk that comes with piles. Both surfaces let us produce clean power without competing with food production or other land uses.

Question 40

Can PeatModule™ be combined with peatland rewetting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PeatModule™ was designed with rewetting in mind. Peatland can be restored at the same time as it produces solar power — a rare double benefit.

Question 41

Is this a large-scale solution?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The system makes large-scale solar viable on land that wouldn't otherwise be put to productive use, without taking up farmland. That's one of the cornerstones of our product development.

Question 42

What's the payback period for PeatModule™?

Accepted Answer

It depends on factors like self-consumption, the size of the park and the site itself. We aim to make every installation a profitable investment, and offer free consultations where we calculate the payback period for your specific operation.

Question 43

Do you offer PPA agreements for PeatModule™?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) for businesses that want a stable electricity price over time while cutting energy costs. With a PPA you can access clean electricity without tying up your own capital.

Question 44

Can we lease the land to Sunsurf?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer flexible commercial models — leasing the land to Sunsurf is one of them.

Question 45

What makes pile-free solar different?

Accepted Answer

Pile-free solar opens up surfaces where conventional pile driving doesn't work — peatland, landfill and wetland. With no piles to drive, ground preparation is lighter and installation usually faster. We produce a concrete cost estimate based on site conditions during the feasibility study.

Question 46

How long does the system last?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels typically last 25–30 years, often longer. The manufacturers we work with guarantee at least 80% of rated output after 25 years. The mounting system has a 40-year service life.

Question 47

What happens to PeatModule™ at end of life?

Accepted Answer

The mounting system is fully recyclable. The aluminium and coated steel are returned to the material cycle, and our pontoon supplier takes back the pontoons at end of life to make new ones from the same material.

Question 48

Can the system be dismantled and recycled?

Accepted Answer

Yes — easily. We offer take-back and recycling as part of our sustainability commitment.

Question 49

Is a permit required for PeatModule™?

Accepted Answer

The rules vary by location and project size. We handle all applications and communication with the County Administrative Board and the municipality to make sure everything is approved before installation.

Floating solar — your questions answered

About Sunsurf Solar

Floating solar — PowerModule™

Pile-free solar — PeatModule™

More questions?

Floating solar — your questions answered

About Sunsurf Solar

01What is Sunsurf Solar?

02Who founded Sunsurf Solar?

03Where is Sunsurf Solar based?

04What is the largest floating solar park in Sweden?

05Which countries does Sunsurf Solar operate in?

06How many installations has Sunsurf Solar delivered?

07What products does Sunsurf Solar develop?

Floating solar — PowerModule™

01Are the systems built for Nordic conditions?

02Do the systems need to come out in winter?

03How large a water surface is needed for a 100 kW installation?

04How much of the water surface should be covered?

05Can the systems be combined with battery storage?

06Can you deliver island-mode or off-grid solutions?

Pile-free solar — PeatModule™

01What does "pile-free" mean?

02Does PeatModule™ work in a Nordic climate?

03How is ground pressure managed?

04Can the system handle flooded surfaces?

More questions?