Floating photovoltaic farms - how are they changing the rules of the game in the RES market?

Public awareness of renewable energy sources is increasing relentlessly, and photovoltaics are recognised as one of the key drivers of the green revolution. Solar panels on rooftops and extensive ground-based solar farms are becoming part of our landscape. The creation of floating photovoltaic farms is the next step in the development of this technology, allowing us to make even better use of available natural resources, without having to occupy land.

Floating solar farms - what are they?

Floating photovoltaic farms, also known as 'floating PV', are an innovative solution in which traditional panels are installed on floating platforms placed on the surface of the water. They use the same technology as standard ground- or rooftop-based solutions, but are adapted to the specific conditions on the water. Through the use of movable connecting elements, the entire structure can flexibly adapt to the undulating ground, ensuring stability and efficiency in energy production. The idea is gaining popularity because water surfaces such as lakes, seas or oceans, which make up about 70% of the Earth, offer new opportunities for photovoltaic development, especially in the context of limited land availability and rising lease costs.

Advantages of using floating PV

The use of floating photovoltaic farms brings a number of benefits, both for the environment and energy efficiency. The main advantages of this innovative solution include:

• Efficient use of space - floating photovoltaic farms make it possible to optimise the use of water surfaces such as retention basins, sewage treatment plants or fish ponds. In this way, instead of consuming agricultural land or green spaces, areas that were previously not considered for energy production are used. This dual use of land not only saves space, but also generates additional revenue for reservoir owners.
• Pro-environmental measure - installing panels on the water surface helps to reduce evaporation, which is particularly important in drought-prone regions. In addition, creating shade over water helps to reduce the growth of algae, which in excess can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and drinking water quality.
• Improved efficiency - the cooling effect of water on PV panels significantly improves their efficiency. High temperatures are one of the main factors that reduce the efficiency of PV modules, and direct contact with water keeps temperatures lower, resulting in better energy production. This makes floating farms more productive than their land-based counterparts. In addition, panels placed on water are less exposed to contaminants such as dust, sand or leaves, which is often a problem with land-based installations. The cleaner surface of the panels ensures better absorption of sunlight and higher energy efficiency.
• Reflecting sunlight - water naturally reflects sunlight, increasing the amount of energy the panels can capture. This effect is particularly beneficial on bright sunny days, when the reflected rays further 'illuminate' the panels, maximising their efficiency.

Downsides of using floating photovoltaic farms

Despite the many advantages of floating PV, there are also challenges to consider when considering this type of project.

• Higher initial costs - investment in floating PV systems currently involves higher expenses than for traditional ground-mounted PV installations. This is mainly due to the need for special structures to enable the panels to float safely on the surface of the water. However, prices are expected to come down as the technology develops and production scales up.
• Accessibility constraints - implementing a photovoltaic farm project on water requires access to a sufficiently large body of water. In addition, the shape and characteristics of the lake can affect the efficiency and capacity of the installation, which poses additional challenges for system design and implementation.

The development of floating PV in recent years shows that it can be an important part of the future of the global RES market. As PAD RES, we are aware of the huge potential and benefits of floating PV. We are preparing to launch our own investment using this technology. With the growing demand for green energy, floating PV farms can become an important part of the global energy strategy, contributing to sustainable development and the protection of our planet.

Sources:
https://www.gdansk.pl/wiadomosci/Pierwsza-w-Polsce-fotowoltaika-na-zbiorniku-wodnym,a,231835
https://solar-distribution.baywa-re.pl/pl/blog/2022/09/floating-pv-czyli-drugie-zycie-zbiornikow-wodnych/
https://growatt.pl/fotowoltaika-na-wodzie-czy-plywajace-panele-maja-przyszlosc/
https://www.gramwzielone.pl/energia-sloneczna/20167832/najwieksza-w-polsce-plywajaca-elektrownia-fotowoltaiczna-powstanie-na-pomorzu