The Asturian company is promoting a new generation of marine solar energy.
Solar energy continues to expand its reach. While most photovoltaic installations are developed on rooftops, land, or reservoirs, a new technology is beginning to gain traction internationally: floating offshore photovoltaics.
In this context, Alusín Solar has participated in one of the most innovative projects developed to date in Spain: the first floating offshore photovoltaic platform created by BlueNewables within its PV-bos technology.
The first platform has already been launched in Vigo and will soon begin its operational validation phase in real open-sea conditions. Furthermore, a second identical unit is currently under construction, so that both will achieve a combined power output of approximately 1 MW.
The role of Alusín Solar in the PV-bos project
Within this pioneering development, Alusín Solar has been responsible for the structural calculation, design, manufacturing and comprehensive supply of the support structures for the photovoltaic modules.
All the engineering work has been carried out from the company’s technical offices in Asturias, while the manufacturing has been carried out entirely at the Avilés plant.
The system used was BULNES, a proprietary solution developed by Alusín Solar and specifically adapted to meet the demands of the offshore marine environment.
The selected configuration has been an East-West arrangement, designed to optimize energy production while simultaneously maintaining the structural stability requirements demanded by a floating platform subjected to constant movements.
The structural challenges of a floating offshore solar installation
Unlike a conventional photovoltaic plant installed on land or on a roof, an offshore solar platform must withstand significantly more demanding operating conditions.
The main challenges include:
- Constant action of the waves.
- Continuous dynamic movements of the platform.
- High wind loads.
- Highly corrosive environment.
- Long-term structural fatigue.
- Vibrations transmitted to modules and fixings.
These factors necessitate advanced structural analysis to ensure the safety, stability, and durability of the entire installation throughout its lifespan.
One of the most complex aspects of the project has been precisely the dynamic study of the structural behavior and the validation of the photovoltaic module fixing systems against the stresses generated by the movement of the sea.
Collaboration between Alusín Solar and IDONIAL for dynamic validation
To address this technological challenge, Alusín Solar has worked together with IDONIAL, a technology center specializing in advanced simulation and structural analysis.
The collaboration between both entities has allowed the engineering solutions adopted to be validated through advanced dynamic models, reinforcing the design process and ensuring the reliability of the system under real offshore operating conditions.
This cooperation represents an example of how collaboration between industry and technological innovation is key to accelerating the development of new energy solutions.
BULNES: Asturian engineering for the most demanding environments
The BULNES system takes its name from the emblematic Naranjo de Bulnes and the Picos de Europa mountains, as a tribute to the Asturian territory where the Alusín Solar systems are developed.
The company maintains this philosophy across its entire product range:
- BULNES for special and high-demand photovoltaic structures.
- GULPIYURI for coplanar systems.
- MUNIELLOS for structures intended for solar plants.
This identity reflects the company’s commitment to engineering developed entirely from Asturias with the capacity to compete in international projects of maximum technical complexity.
Manufactured in Asturias and assembled in Vigo
All of the solar structures for the project have been manufactured at the Alusín Solar plant in Avilés.
Subsequently, the components were transferred to the Vigo shipyard, where the assembly and launching of the platforms are taking place.
This manufacturing model demonstrates the existing industrial capacity in Asturias to participate in international technological projects related to the energy transition.
Javier Fernández-Font: “It is one of the greatest challenges in our history”
According to Javier Fernández-Font Pérez, CEO of Alusín Solar:
“Participating in the development of Spain’s first floating offshore photovoltaic platform is a huge source of pride for our entire team. We have had the opportunity to work on an extraordinary engineering challenge where every calculation, every design, and every manufacturing detail required levels of rigor far exceeding those typical of terrestrial photovoltaics.”
The CEO particularly highlights the complexity arising from marine conditions and the dynamic stresses generated by the constant movement of the platform.
The importance of industrial partners in boosting offshore solar energy
The development of pioneering technologies such as PV-bos requires the participation of specialized companies capable of contributing technical knowledge, industrial experience and manufacturing capacity.
The collaboration between BlueNewables , Alusín Solar and IDONIAL demonstrates how cooperation between technology companies, research centers and industry can accelerate the arrival of innovative energy solutions to the market.
The future of floating offshore photovoltaics
Floating offshore solar energy is emerging as one of the technologies with the greatest growth potential within the renewable energy sector.
Its ability to take advantage of currently underutilized maritime, port and industrial spaces opens up new opportunities to increase clean energy generation without competing for land use.
Furthermore, this type of facility can become a strategic complement to other marine technologies, such as offshore wind power, promoting the development of new hybrid energy models.
Asturias, a leader in international energy innovation
Alusín Solar’s participation in the PV-bos project consolidates the company’s position as a leader in engineering, structural calculation and manufacturing of advanced photovoltaic structures.
At the same time, it once again places Asturias at the forefront of international energy innovation, demonstrating that the technical knowledge, industrial capacity and engineering developed in the region can contribute to defining the future of solar energy on a global scale.
