Solar Buoyancy System Developer SUN RISE Elevates Solar Power on Water and the Global Stage

Interviewed by Xin-En Wu｜Written by Mei-Hsu Shih｜Translated/Edited by Sharon Wu

To attain the 2050 net-zero target, Taiwan must accelerate its energy transition by advancing renewable energy sources. Presently, wind and solar energy are the mainstays, but Taiwan faces limitations in land resources. Consequently, solar panel installations have moved beyond land expanses to aquatic environments, with plans for further expansion into the ocean. Sun Rise E&T Corporation (hereafter SUN RISE) assumes a critical role in this noteworthy progression.

Established in 1995, SUN RISE stands as a leader in Taiwan's PE industry. The core offerings of SUN RISE include HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) cage structures, comprehensive technical support, drainage components, PE sheathing, and solar power vehicles. SUN RISE is recognized globally with successful exports to over 50 countries, including Iceland, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Japan. The company's capacity to develop sizeable net cage products, with a maximum diameter of 80 meters, in response to customer demands, coupled with years of accumulated technical prowess, positions it as the second-largest net cage supplier globally (with Norway's AKVA group holding the first position).

Since 2010, SUN RISE has been dedicated to the research and certification of solar buoy systems. In 2015, it acquired the patent for modular solar power generation systems in Taiwan, and further expanded its reach with patents in 2016 and 2017 in countries such as China, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United States (both onshore and offshore). With an accumulated installed capacity of nearly 84,000 KW, SUN RISE stands as one of only two global developers of solar buoy systems. It is the sole developer capable of adjusting panel angles precisely based on the sun's micro-angle. It showcases successful projects across Asia, including Japan, Thailand, Laos, and Taiwan, with a single installation achieving a maximum capacity of 6,600 KW.

SUN RISE Founder and Chairman Ji-Xu Dong recalls the company's venture into developing solar buoyancy systems, stemming from the post-disaster reconstruction after Typhoon Morakot in 2010. At that time, the former Magistrate of Pingtung County, Qi-Hong Cao, proposed the concept of a photovoltaic farming project to reserve water. He envisioned developing solar power generation on water surfaces and sought technical assistance from Dong. Utilizing SUN RISE's injection molding technology, Dong created buoyancy platforms capable of supporting solar panels, marking the beginning of SUN RISE's innovative journey in the field of solar buoyancy systems.

At present, there are only two global companies providing solutions for solar floating systems: Pernod Ricard from France and SUN RISE. SUN RISE, in particular, stands out with a unique capability—it can dynamically adjust the angle of solar panels according to sunlight changes, maximizing electricity generation efficiency. "Although we officially state that we started in 2010, the development actually began right after Typhoon Morakot in 2009. By early 2010, we created the first demo, admittedly quite small in size." The small sample, as Dong mentions, successfully entered Japan in 2012 and expanded to multiple countries, becoming another flagship product for the company and contributing significantly to the global energy transition.

SUN RISE Founder and Chairman Ji-Xu Dong

Dong remarked, "In 2012, Japan was gearing up for the floating system, and back then, there were no regulations at all. We were pioneers in this field. At that time, the Kagawa-ken government in Japan demanded testing from companies. Globally, there were only three: Pernod Ricard, us, and a Japanese firm. Following the Kagawa-ken government's testing, our system outperformed others in terms of safety and quality." This marked SUN RISE's successful entry into the Japanese market.

SUN RISE's buoyancy system has demonstrated exceptional performance locally. Its floating support structure, featuring water-based solar power generation technology, was put into operation in early 2023 at the Dawuding detention pond in Jiadong Township, Pingtung County. President Ing-wen Tsai participated in the commissioning ceremony upon the completion of the first phase.

The buoyancy system demonstrates exceptional wind resistance, capable of withstanding strong gusts. In September 2023, Typhoon Meranti struck southern Taiwan, causing severe damage. Despite this, the buoyancy system at Dawuding detention pond remained entirely intact, highlighting its exceptional quality and stability. Following the windstorm, the Pingtung County Government swiftly initiated the second phase of the project, completing it by the end of October. It is anticipated to generate 499.8KW annually, equivalent to fulfilling the daily electricity needs of 94 households. This technology is poised for widespread adoption in detention ponds, reservoirs, and various locations across Taiwan, introducing a novel concept of photovoltaic farming to reserve water.

In the current year, SUN RISE, in collaboration with Formosa Plastics Group (FPC), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Sinotech Engineering Consultants (SEC), DNV, FORTUNE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. (FE), and other entities, has formed a national team to jointly develop the "Offshore Solar Power" system. The plan is to conduct trials off the coast of Pingtung in August next year, with the objective of official operation by 2025. Drawing on its expertise in surface solar power generation systems, SUN RISE has employed high-flexibility High Density Polyethylene Resin (HDPE), high-pressure injection materials, and high-flame-retardant Plastic Flexible (PF) materials produced by FPC to create a solar floating platform. This platform, designed to resist waves, offers high flexibility and has no adverse effects on the ecosystem. Notably, this design has been granted patents in 53 countries globally.

Dong stated that currently, only four countries globally—Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, and Portugal—have ventured into offshore solar power development. Among them, only the Netherlands has a large-scale floating platform design. Taiwan is poised to become the fifth country globally and the first in Asia to possess a floating platform design. Collaborations with National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and Tamkang University (TKU) are underway, and there is also interest from the Philippines. Simulation tests in the laboratory are scheduled for this year, with installation tests set to commence in August next year and sea trials continuing until 2025.

Dong's business strategy is rooted in the belief that "the market is so vast that, with adequate technical standards, customers will actively come to us." As the exclusive global player implementing a floating support structure for offshore solar power systems in commercial operation, he recognizes Taiwan's advanced technology and international competitiveness in the solar photovoltaic sector. The fact that nearly all products are manufactured in Taiwan not only fosters domestic employment but also positions Taiwan for potential future roles as an energy-exporting country, particularly given its substantial advancements in wind power and solar photovoltaics. This stands as a notable advantage for Taiwan in the green energy industry.