SUZHOU, China, Jan. 19, 2026 — GCL System Integration (GCL SI) has announced the successful finish of a joint floating solar energy project with long-term partner Ocean Sun for the Maldives’ Soneva Secret resort. The project uses more than 4,200 TOPCon marine floating modules from GCL SI and, once fully operational, will supply up to 90% of the resort’s clean power—completely replacing its original diesel generators.
The project is projected to cut diesel use by up to 1 million liters each year and lower carbon emissions by over 2,000 tons. This marks a key step forward for islands and remote communities seeking affordable, clean energy independence.
Islands have long relied on diesel generators for power. But limited land and roof space make switching to and expanding renewable energy projects difficult—often raising costs and slowing economic growth for these areas.
To maximize ocean surface use and offshore solar resources, and to solve land-based limits for solar farm construction, GCL SI used its extensive offshore project experience. After deep research and full evaluation of how marine environments affect solar modules, the company developed highly waterproof, corrosion-resistant, and marine-adapted solutions for varied sea conditions. This includes the GCL-NT10/60GT Monocrystalline Module, made specifically for marine use.
Built to survive harsh marine conditions—high salinity, humidity, UV exposure, and strong winds/waves—the TOPCon marine modules include multiple design features to boost reliability and cut operational risks:
- Anti-corrosion frames: A thicker frame coating (5–10 μm improvement) and fatigue-resistant design enhance durability and corrosion resistance in salty offshore environments.
- Double-coated glass: Strengthens resistance to wind and wave forces while reducing water entry and salt buildup—lowering long-term corrosion risks.
- Highly waterproof junction boxes: Protects against water and salt spray, with an upgraded diode chip to tackle heat dissipation issues.
- Dual-layer high-grammage POE (polyolefin elastomer) encapsulant film with upgraded weatherability: Improves moisture barriers, PID resistance, and UV stability—helping prevent material breakdown over time.
- Four-buckle connector design: Boosts connection stability and sealing performance, reducing water entry and electrical arcing risks in marine settings.
The modules have earned multiple strict certifications from TÜV Rheinland, with power degradation well below IEC standards—ensuring long-term, reliable system performance.
This milestone project highlights GCL SI’s technical expertise in offshore solar while proving that floating solar is a practical solution for islands transitioning to cleaner energy. By replacing diesel power with marine-adapted solar systems, the project shows a scalable path to cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure for islands. With hundreds of resort islands in the Maldives alone—and countless more global island communities still using diesel—the potential to replicate this success is huge.
The successful rollout of GCL SI’s modules creates a practical path to cleaner, more resilient energy systems for islands and remote coastal areas worldwide—supporting both decarbonization goals and sustainable development.
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