A Rotterdam startup now pursues viable offshore solar installations to meet growing energy needs. The company combines innovative marine design with efficiency improvements in solar technology, while exploring new markets and partnerships. Fresh ideas and practical design approaches underpin their strategy to address both urban constraints and increasing energy demands.
Reports from earlier coverage highlight a similar interest in offshore renewable energy. Multiple sources noted that as digitalisation, urbanisation, and electrification drive demand, solar energy projects are receiving renewed attention globally. Emerging news indicates that offshore ventures are expanding as conventional wind energy projects face overhead limitations.
Global energy pressures and limited land availability have spurred SolarDuck to develop floating solar power systems. Founded in 2019 by Koen Burgers, Don Hoogendoorn, Olaf de Swart, Ewoud Huiskamp, and Harry Post, the startup builds solutions inspired by design challenges observed at Damen Shipyards.
“When you work for Damen, you are also exposed to the world outside the Netherlands,”
Burgers remarked, emphasizing the international perspective that seeded the idea.
Can offshore solar systems withstand challenging marine conditions?
SolarDuck’s technology uses interconnected triangular platforms to reduce impact from waves and dynamic sea states. The design offers enhanced stability in rough conditions while accommodating geographic differences in maritime weather.
“Not every sea is as hostile as the North Sea, and sheltered waters offer operational ease,”
noted a company representative.
Will combining solar with energy storage support consistent output?
By integrating bifacial solar panels with energy storage options, the company ensures more reliable energy yields. The hybrid model leverages the cooling benefits of sea installations, which prevent overheating and boost efficiency.
“You don’t have to invest in additional infrastructure; extra kilowatt-hours come from optimizing the same setups,”
the founder explained.
SolarDuck’s floating installations, including the SolarDuck Merganser OFPV pilot, demonstrate design refinements such as elevated photovoltaic systems that capitalize on the albedo effect. The technology is adapted for various marine environments, from the turbulent North Sea to more temperate locations in Asia, with projects moving rapidly from pilot to commercial scale internationally.
The company is targeting scalable projects that transition from half-megawatt pilots to larger multi-megawatt plants in coming years. Funding constraints and infrastructure development have influenced its cautious yet strategic growth, ensuring that hybrid renewable solutions remain competitive even in energy-cost-sensitive regions. Long-term planning encompasses integration with wind energy and storage systems, positioning the technology within a diversified future energy mix.
