Tata Power partnered with Norway-based renewable energy technology company Ocean Sun to launch a 300 kWp floating solar pilot project in India. The project will test Ocean Sun’s proprietary membrane-based floating solar technology at Tata Power’s Mulshi reservoir in Maharashtra. Through the initiative, the companies aim to assess the technology’s performance, reliability, cost competitiveness and scalability under Indian operating conditions. The pilot will also generate practical insights to support potential future deployments across the country.
How Membrane-Based Floating Solar Technology Works
Unlike conventional floating solar installations that rely on interconnected pontoon structures, Ocean Sun’s technology uses a thin, hydro-elastic membrane to support solar photovoltaic (PV) modules directly on the water’s surface. This lightweight design could simplify transportation and installation while reducing structural requirements. The proximity of the solar panels to the water may provide a cooling effect, potentially improving power generation performance. By adopting this alternative approach, the pilot will help determine whether membrane-based systems offer practical advantages over conventional floating solar technologies.
Pilot to Evaluate Performance and Commercial Viability
The 300 kWp installation at Mulshi reservoir will allow Tata Power to compare Ocean Sun’s technology with conventional floating solar solutions across several technical and commercial parameters.
India’s Growing Potential for Floating Solar
India has considerable scope to expand floating solar capacity by utilising reservoirs and other suitable water bodies. According to estimates by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), the country has more than 102 GWp of floating solar potential.
Floating solar can complement ground-mounted and rooftop installations as India expands its renewable energy capacity. Moreover, suitable water bodies can provide additional locations for solar development without requiring extensive land acquisition. Against this backdrop, the Mulshi pilot represents an opportunity to build the technical and commercial evidence needed to support wider adoption of membrane-based floating solar technology in India. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, the project’s findings could help Tata Power assess the role of innovative floating solar solutions in its future renewable energy portfolio while contributing to the country’s broader clean energy transition.
