Global independent energy expert and assurance service provider DNV released two new standards on May 14, 2026, aimed at enhancing the safety, reliability, and long-term performance of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, supporting the rapid development and expansion of renewable energy worldwide.
The two new standards are "DNV-ST-C108 Design of Floating Structures for Floating Photovoltaic Systems" and "DNV-ST-E309 Mooring and Positioning for Floating Photovoltaic Systems." They complement the world's first recommended practice for floating solar, "DNV-RP-0584 Design, Development and Operation of Floating Photovoltaic Systems," which was initially published in 2021 and will be updated in June 2026.
These three documents together form a comprehensive and unified framework covering the entire lifecycle of FPV systems, from component-level to system-level design, analysis, operation, and risk management.
As developers seek to expand renewable energy capacity while reducing competition for land, floating solar is increasingly being deployed in inland and nearshore waters. With the scaling of project sizes, the technical robustness and consistency of engineering practices become crucial for investor confidence, insurability, and the long-term performance of assets. In fact, the floating solar market is projected to grow from $7.9 billion in 2026 to $9.2 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%.
Ditlev Engel, CEO of Energy Systems at DNV, stated, "Floating solar is transitioning from niche applications to large-scale infrastructure. These new standards are designed to help the industry manage risks, improve reliability, and foster innovation, while maintaining appropriate safety margins."
The introduction of the two new standards positions the existing recommended practice as a supplementary system-level guide, rather than a primary design-level reference document.
Daniel Pardo Tovar, Global Floating Solar Lead at DNV Energy Systems, added, "The principles and terminology used in these two standards are harmonized, providing industry stakeholders with a coherent set of guidance documents for floating photovoltaic systems. By establishing a common technical language and clarifying the link between component-level requirements and system-level guidance, DNV is helping developers, owners, insurers, and regulators operate on the same foundation."
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