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2025 Vol.45, Issue 5 Preview Page

Review

A Perspective on Floating and Underwater Photovoltaics: Expanding from FPV to UWPV

수상·수중 태양광 발전 기술 전망: FPV에서 UWPV로의 확장 가능성

Seongjin Ko1
,
Seunghee Cho2
,
Junghyun Lee3
,
Joondong Kim4*
고 성진1
,
조 승희2
,
이 정현3
,
김 준동4*
1A Bachelor’s Degree, Department of Materials Science and Engineering & Department of Electrical Engineering, Incheon National University
2Master Course, Department of Electrical Engineering, Incheon National University
3M.S. Graduate, Multidisciplinary Core Institute for Future Energies (MCIFE), Incheon National University
4Dean, College of Engineering and Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Incheon National University
1인천대학교 신소재공학과·전기공학과 복수전공, 학사과정
2인천대학교 전기공학과, 석사과정
3인천대학교 차세대에너지융합연구소(MCIFE), 석사졸업
4인천대학교 공과대학 학장, 전기공학과 교수
*Corresponding Author
30 October 2025. pp. 59-73
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Abstract

This study examined the technological trends and commercialization potential of Floating Photovoltaics (FPVs) and Underwater Photovoltaics (UWPVs) as alternatives to overcoming the site limitations of ground-mounted PVs. FPVs were classified based on their installation environment, with recent commercialization and large-scale deployment cases illustrating both their rapid growth and inherent constraints. UWPVs, optimized for the spectral characteristics of underwater light, could reduce reflection losses and maximize cooling benefits. In addition, recent studies have proposed (1) a modified crystalline silicon cell with bifacial transparent electrodes and a micro-textured SiNₓ antireflection coating, as well as (2) a wide-bandgap metal–oxide–based p–p–n thin-film structure. These designs enhance short-wavelength absorption, improve scattered-light reabsorption, minimize visual impacts, and increase durability under submerged conditions. This study highlights the technical potential of UWPVs, outlines the challenges to commercialization, and underscores the potential of FPV–UWPV integration for expanding renewable-energy generation.

Keywords
Floating Photovoltaic
Underwater Photovoltaic
Transparent Solar Cell
Wide-Bandgap
키워드
수상 태양광
수중 태양광
투명 태양전지
광대역 밴드갭
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Information
  • Publisher :Korean Solar Energy Society
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국태양에너지학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Solar Energy Society
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국태양에너지학회 논문집
  • Volume : 45
  • No :5
  • Pages :59-73
  • Received Date : 2025-09-04
  • Revised Date : 2025-09-28
  • Accepted Date : 2025-10-02
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7836/kses.2025.45.5.059
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