Abstract: An edge protection member for positioning in a waterbody adjacent to a plurality of photovoltaic (“PV”) modules of a PV array that floats on the waterbody to protect the PV array from external forces includes a surface barrier. The surface barrier blocks flotsam on a water surface of the waterbody from floating into the PV array.

Abstract: A floating solar power generation system includes a photovoltaic (“PV”) array. The PV array includes a plurality of PV modules mechanically bound together. Each of the PV modules includes solar cells for generating solar power that are embedded within a laminated structure which is compliant to folding or bending in response to wave action on a surface of a waterbody. The laminated structure of each of the PV modules floats in or on the waterbody in intimate contact with the waterbody to cool the solar cells.

Abstract: A method of deploying floating photovoltaic (“PV”) modules on water includes attaching first and second sections of a tensioning frame between a first group of mooring buoys. In a first embodiment, the first and second sections are adjoining sections attached to a common one of the mooring buoys and a plurality of PV modules are unrolled from positions adjacent to the first section of the tensioning frame and the PV modules are extended out from the first section. In a second embodiment, the PV modules are unrolled and extended out between two floating platforms. The PV modules are mechanically attached into a contiguous PV array. Third and fourth sections of the tensioning frame are attached between a second group of the mooring buoys to at least partially surround the PV array with the tensioning frame. Tension on the tensioning frame is adjusted to place the PV array under tension.