Floating solar power systems are required to have buoyant bodies that float power generation facilities on water and mooring devices that lock them up. (image: Hanwha Q Cells Co.)
DAEJEON, Sept. 4 (Korea Bizwire) — Patent applications related to floating solar power are surging.
According to the Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Tuesday, the number of related patent applications, which stood at 20 to 30 per year from 2010 to 2013, has been on the rise since then, with 49 in 2014, 74 in 2015 and 103 in 2018.
The sharp increase since 2018 is attributed to the government’s policy to expand the size of its floating solar power ventures. In the first half of this year alone, 54 applications were filed.
Floating solar power systems are required to have buoyant bodies that float power generation facilities on water and mooring devices that lock them up.
When dividing the patent applications by technology, 260 (53 percent) were related to buoyancy and frames.
The KIPO also noted that 262 applications (53 percent) were filed by small and medium-sized companies, and 141 (29 percent) were filed by individuals.
Applications related to floating solar power are typically related to technology employed to optimize various installation environments and overcome difficulties.
Therefore, it is believed that the portion of applications by small and medium-sized businesses or individuals is high because it is an area where creative and flexible ideas can be exercised.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
