Floating Photovoltaic Systems: Balancing Benefits and Challenges

FPVs or Floating Photovoltaic Systems are being installed on lakes around the world. The technology is seen as a promising way to generate renewable energy while helping to protect water resources.

Of course, not all bodies of water are suitable for floating solar installations. FPVs certainly don’t like waves, and factors like water depth, water quality, and weather have to be carefully checked before any system is installed.

No single person can be credited with inventing FPVs. The technology has evolved, with contributions from many different people and companies. One of the well-known early pioneers is Jean-François Minster, a French engineer, who is credited with developing one of the first FPV systems back in 2007.

Putting solar panels on water offers some key advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional ground-based solar systems.

Advantages

Maximizing Land Use

By putting solar panels on bodies of water such as lakes, reservoirs, or ponds, land that would be used for solar power can be put to other uses.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Placing solar panels on water provides a cooling effect due to the water’s natural heat-absorbing properties. Cooler panels perform more efficiently, leading to higher energy production.

Reduced Water Evaporation

The shading effect of floating solar panels can reduce water evaporation, which helps conserve water resources. This is particularly advantageous in arid regions.

Algae Growth Inhibition

The presence of solar panels can reduce light penetration into the water, inhibiting algae growth and helping to maintain water quality.

Hybrid Use

In certain situations, FPVs can be used in hybrid with hydropower dams. This can increase the efficiency of the dam and potentially reduce the environmental impact of hydropower.

Disadvantages

Of course, it can’t all be good news – there are also some disadvantages to floating Solar Panels.

Higher Installation and Maintenance Costs

Building and anchoring solar panels on water is more expensive than ground-based systems due to the need for specialized structures and materials.

Environmental Impact

The installation of floating solar panels can harm local ecosystems and habitats, particularly aquatic life and birds. For this reason, careful environmental impact assessments are vital.

Weather Vulnerability

Not surprisingly, storms, high winds, and waves can pose major risks to the FPV systems’ integrity.

Access and Maintenance Challenges

In general, accessing floating solar panels for routine maintenance or repairs is more challenging than for ground-based systems.

Water Usage Conflict

Using lakes for FPV systems tends to mean that the lakes can no longer be used for activities such as boating, or fishing.

Some major FPV projects of interest:

Yanqun Reservoir

A 13.4 MW FPV project is located on the Yanqun Reservoir in China.

Taihu Solar Farm

This 10 MW FPV project is located on Taihu Lake in China.

Kfar Ruppin

Kfar Ruppin Floating Solar Power Station: This 7.1 MW FPV project is located on the Ruppin Reservoir in Israel.

The three FPVs mentioned above are nothing compared to the planned 40 MW FPV project on Kalpasar Lake in Gujarat, India, and a 30 MW FPV project planned for Yancheng Lake in China.

At enSights, we support every effort to create renewable energy in ways that minimize environmental impact. If you would like to know about how we help renewable energy companies increase their productivity and reduce their maintenance costs, please visit our website: www.ensights.ai.

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