Benefits and Challenges for Floating PV Systems

Abstract

The significant growth in energy consumption, the rapid decline of fossil fuels, and environmental issues around the globe have contributed to the need for large-scale design and development of solar PV plants. Application of solar photovoltaics (PV) has the responsibility of extreme land requirements and will still be a luxury product. Implementing solar PV systems on water sources such as coasts, wetlands, lagoons, rivers, drainage ponds, waste water treatment plants, wineries, fish farms, dams and canals may be an appealing choice for maintaining precious land & water. Compared to overland mounted solar panels, floating form solar photovoltaic panels have various benefits, including less barriers to blocking sunshine, comfort, energy consumption, greater efficiency of power generation due to the lower temperature below the panels. In addition, solar construction supports the marine ecosystem because the shade of the plant avoids unnecessary evaporation of water, reduces the growth of algae and potentially increases the quality of water. This paper provides further insight into the floating PV technology, its current state and different choices for design.