Against the backdrop of accelerating global energy transition, photovoltaic (PV) racking—the “skeleton” of solar power plants—has become a focal point of industry innovation. From late 2025 to early 2026, the global PV racking sector witnessed a series of significant developments. From sandy land reclamation to offshore PV, and from rooftop carports to maritime applications, new technologies such as flexible mounting systems and composite materials are reshaping PV deployment scenarios.

Domestic Developments: Major Breakthroughs in Sandy Land and Offshore PV

China’s First Sandy-Land Flexible-Mounting PV Project Achieves Full-Capacity Grid Connection

On December 30, 2025, the Huaneng Suji Sandy Land 2 GW PV Project—a key project under China’s third batch of national large-scale wind and solar PV bases—was fully connected to the grid in Urad Front Banner, Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia. For the first time in a sandy-land environment, the project applied flexible-structure PV racking technology. With a total installed capacity of 2 GW, it includes 300 MW of flexible‑mounting PV.

Flexible racking technology features high ground clearance, large spans, and minimal foundations, effectively solving problems such as sinking into sand and difficult maintenance associated with traditional racking in sandy areas. The project adopts an “electricity + herbs + medicine” industrial model, creating a three-dimensional ecological pattern of “power generation above the panels, sand fixation between panels, and medicinal plant cultivation beneath,” achieving dual benefits of green energy and ecological improvement. The project generates approximately 2.96 billion kWh annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by over 2.68 million tons per year.

Offshore PV Support Structures Embrace a “Flexible” Revolution

On December 5, 2025, at the Third Offshore PV Conference held in Fuzhou, HYPSET unveiled a “Flexible Self-Balancing Offshore PV Support Platform” solution designed for deep water and complex sea conditions. The solution uses peripheral steel trusses and applies prestress to steel cables to form a planar cable‑net system, creating a self‑balancing PV installation platform.

This innovative design achieves a critical cost breakthrough: the large‑span design can accommodate spans of 50 to 70 meters, reducing the number of piles per megawatt by 40%. Steel consumption per megawatt is reduced by 25% to 35%, significantly lowering underwater foundation and material costs. Additionally, the approach uses “onshore prefabrication and offshore integral lifting” processes, with a single module capacity of up to 1.17 MW, greatly reducing offshore construction time.

Composite Materials and Floating Flexible Racking Receive Technical Certification

On January 27, 2026, Arctech was granted a utility model patent for a “Floating Flexible PV Support and PV System.” The patented technology incorporates counterweight components on the columns, providing downward tension during wind and wave conditions, reducing upward displacement of the columns and stabilizing the system to effectively withstand typhoons and other severe weather.

In addition, the non‑metallic composite PV racking product developed by PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation obtained the first TÜV Rheinland certificate for composite PV racking in April 2025. The product innovates in material systems, offering advantages such as lightweight construction and corrosion resistance, opening new pathways for PV racking applications in coastal and highly corrosive environments.

International Perspectives: Innovation in Diverse Scenarios

United States: Domestic Manufacturing Integration in Response to IRA Policy

In January 2025, Terrasmart announced the integration of its fixed-tilt racks and TerraTrak 1P single-axis trackers with First Solar Series 7 TR1 modules. This collaboration resulted in a fully U.S.-manufactured racking solution made with 100% domestically sourced structural steel and iron, helping developers meet the domestic content requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and qualify for a 10% tax bonus.

Australia: Solar Carports Empower Urban Charging Networks

In November 2025, Sydney-based PV racking supplier S-Rack completed the design, supply, and installation of an 83 kW solar carport system in Rydalmere, western Sydney. The system serves a Parramatta City Council operations center parking facility, incorporating 180 REC 460 W solar modules and 14 JET Charge EV chargers.

The project faced challenging geological conditions requiring additional engineering and structural design to ensure system stability, while maintaining normal parking lot operations during construction. According to S‑Rack’s technical sales manager, the project demonstrates how solar infrastructure can strike a balance between functionality and forward‑looking design.

Europe: A New Maritime PV Attempt in the Shipping Sector

In November 2025, Dutch maritime solar innovation company Wattlab delivered its first full‑scale solar flatrack system, installed on the newly built 7,280 DWT diesel‑electric multi‑purpose cargo vessel Vertom Tula, owned by Vertom. The system comprises 44 solar flatracks (ballasted flat‑roof racks) that provide power for onboard systems, reducing hotel load by approximately 20%.

A key innovation of the system is the use of container twist‑lock fittings for installation, significantly shortening installation time. If space is needed for special cargo, crew can easily stack and store the panels within the footprint of a 20‑foot container. The project received co‑funding from the European Union’s Just Transition Fund.

Japan: Customized Racking Solutions for Extreme Climates

In November 2025, Grace Solar announced the deployment of aluminum alloy racking systems at multiple ground‑mount PV projects in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The projects faced challenging terrain as well as extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow in winter and strong winds in summer. Grace Solar optimized tilt angles and foundation types based on precise site data, using high‑strength, lightweight aluminum alloy structures to help mitigate snow accumulation and ensure stable system operation.

Trends and Outlook: Flexibility and Scenario Integration Take Center Stage

Recent industry developments highlight three major trends in PV racking technology:

First, flexible racking technology is rapidly gaining momentum. Whether in sandy lands, on water, or offshore, flexible racking—with its advantages of large spans, reduced foundations, and high clearance—is becoming the mainstream choice for complex terrain and extreme environments. The Huaneng sandy‑land project and the HYPSET offshore solution mark the transition of flexible racking technology from concept to large‑scale deployment.

Second, material innovation is accelerating. The TÜV certification of composite PV racking and the application of aluminum alloy racking in extreme climate regions demonstrate the industry’s continued exploration of lightweight, corrosion‑resistant materials. New materials are expected to play a greater role in scenarios where conventional metals face limitations, such as nearshore and water‑based applications.

Third, application scenarios are increasingly diverse. From traditional rooftop and ground‑mounted power plants to sandy land reclamation, offshore power generation, carport charging, and maritime shipping, the adaptability of racking technology is becoming a key enabler for expanding PV applications.

As global PV installed capacity continues to grow, racking systems—as critical components of solar power plants—will drive technological innovation and open up even broader horizons for the photovoltaic industry.