A recent report from Ember explained how Europe had eliminated coal as an energy source by 2024 and made way for renewable energy, such as solar. In fact, in the same analysis, Spain recorded a continuous increase in photovoltaic generation, reaching 21% of its electricity almost double the European average (11%). So far so good, but this boom in solar energy is leading to the search for alternatives for installing panels on other types of surfaces, such as aquatic surfaces.
An international investigation. A study group, led by Carlos D. Rodríguez-Gallegos, has evaluated the status and potential of floating photovoltaic (FPV) installations worldwide. For this analysis they have used the largest global database in the world that compiles information from 1,142 commercial FPV systems as of 2022. In addition, they took the geographical references of reservoirs, which cover a total area of more than 2.2 million square kilometers.
The object of study is to analyze its implementation and performance, in addition to studying advanced configurations such as bifacial panels, tilt angles and tracking systems.
The research included contributions from researchers from SERIS in Singapore and the National University of Singapore (NUS), as well as from Ecuador’s Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Concordia University in Canada and Deakin University. from Australia.
Asia, the leader. Almost 90% of the installed floating solar capacity is located on the Asian continent and China leads it with almost half of the accumulated capacity. This global dominance is due to favorable policies, ambitious goals focused on renewable energy, and regulations designed to support the expansion of FPV.
Although Asia leads the development of floating solar panels, Africa is also exploring this technology. Zimbabwe is advancing with a 250 MW plant at the Kariba dam, projecting to reach 1 GW. In Ghana, a 5 MW system on a reservoir will be expanded to 15 MW, while Cape Town, South Africa, has completed several smaller projects. With abundant sunshine and limited water resources, Africa seeks to meet its energy needs through these initiatives.
Take advantage of water areas. The installation of photovoltaic systems on aquatic surfaces has presented different benefits, according to the study. First of all, optimization of limited space in areas with a shortage of land. Additionally, FPVs help reduce water evaporation in reservoirs and keep solar panel temperatures lower, improving their efficiency. On the other hand, this technology avoids conflicts related to land use. For example, in the Swiss Alps, they have shown that these installations can thrive even in adverse conditions, achieving superior performance regardless of altitude.
The results of the study. Based on the analysis that the average size of FPVs has increased in the last ten years from 0.09 MW in 2013 to 1.40 MW in 2022, and, in parallel, the average power density has gone from 82 W/m² at 123 W/m². Researchers have identified optimal configurations to maximize electrical performance, such as the use of solar tracking systems and bifacial panels, which capture reflected light, thus improving power generation.
In economic terms, FPVs have proven to be competitive. For example, the project manager has pointed to an Indian initiative that achieved an installation cost of just $0.41 per watt, reinforcing the economic viability of this technology compared to other renewable energy options. However, these facilities also face certain challenges such as the initial cost can be very high due to the infrastructure. Additionally, the adaptability of the technology to different bodies of water (fresh or salty) and logistical complexities can also increase costs.
Looking out to sea. Looking ahead, the research team plans to explore offshore FPV applications, investigating their energy potential, innovative designs, and cost and maintenance challenges. According to their estimates, covering just 10% of the surface of 249,717 continental reservoirs could generate a capacity of up to 22 TW, enough to satisfy all global electricity consumption and up to 5% of global water demand.
Imagen | CHN Energy
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