As the world looks for ways to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move towards renewable energy sources, solar power has emerged as one of the most promising options. Solar panels have been installed on rooftops and in fields for years, but there is a new application for this technology that is taking the world by storm: floating solar panels.
Floating solar panels are not just a novel way to generate renewable energy – they also come with a host of other benefits. For example, they can be used to provide shade and cooling for reservoirs, which can help to reduce evaporation. They can also be used to generate power in remote locations where it is not possible to install traditional ground-mounted solar panels.
Floating Solar Panel Electricity Production
Solar panels installed on a structure that floats on a body of water, often a reservoir or a lake, are referred to as floating solar or floating photovoltaics.
Since 2016, the market for this renewable energy method has expanded fast. Throughout 2007 to 2013, the very first 20 plants with capacity of around a dozen kWp were constructed. In 2020, produced power reached 3 GW, with 10 GW anticipated by 2025.
The price of a floating installation is 20-25% greater than the cost of a land installation.
Positives of Floating Solar Panel Installations and related electricity production
The fundamental advantage of floating photovoltaic systems is the fact that they not require any land, aside from the small areas required for the electric cabinet and grid hookups. Their cost is equivalent to that of land-based systems, however floating photovoltaic systems offer an excellent option for reducing land consumption.
Floating photovoltaic power systems are much more streamlined than land-based systems, have simpler management, and thus are easier to build and dismantle. The significant aspect is that there aren't permanent structures, such as those used for land-based plants. Therefore, the installation is completely reversible.
Water conservation and water quality is improved by the solar panels partially covering water bodies. This benefit is influenced by both the climate and the amount of the covered surface.
Cooling the floating structure is basic. Environmental cooling can be maximized by having put a water layer on the photovoltaic modules or by having them in the water. Which, in turn, can increase the amount of electricity generated.
The platforms can be rotated both horizontally and vertically to follow the sun. Moving photovoltaic panels need minimal power as well as no sophisticated mechanical equipment. The cost of outfitting a floating photovoltaic plant with such a system is minimal.
Algal blooms, a severe concern in developed nations, may be decreased. The partial basin coverage and light reduction of the panels may reduce the growth of algal blooms.
In conclusion, floating solar panels are an innovative and sustainable way to generate energy. They have a number of advantages over traditional ground-mounted solar panels, easier installation, and less environmental impact. Gloating solar panels offer a promising solution for the future of energy production.
