The Rise of Floating Solar: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Just a decade ago, the idea of solar plants floating on water seemed almost unimaginable! Yet today, floating solar holds an estimated potential of 207 gigawatts in India as per the recent study conducted by Indo-German Technical Cooperation on Innovative Solar. Under conservative assumptions, it could double the current global installed capacity of solar PV. This innovation offers a promising solution for countries like India to meet their international commitments in combating climate change. As we move towards a sustainable future, with ambitious goals like India’s target of 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2030, exploring alternative methods for clean energy generation—especially utilizing scarce land and harnessing the power of water—has become crucial. Let’s dive into the world of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) and its potential.

What is Floating Solar?

Floating Solar refers to a solar energy system in which photovoltaic (PV) panels are specifically designed and installed to float on bodies of water, such as reservoirs, hydroelectric dams, industrial ponds, water treatment ponds, mining ponds, lakes, and lagoons. These PV modules are typically mounted on pontoon-based structures, with the entire floating system anchored and moored securely to prevent movement. This innovative approach not only maximizes land use efficiency but also offers unique advantages in terms of cooling and space utilization (Refer to Figure-1) The first FPV system was built in 2007 in Aichi, Japan, followed by several other countries, including France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Spain, the United States, China, India and other Asian countries.

Why do we need FSPV?

Floating Solar (or Floating Solar PV) is rapidly gaining attention due to several compelling factors, particularly in response to the growing global demand for renewable energy and the need for more efficient space and resource utilization. The key advantages of floating solar include the ability to generate renewable energy without occupying valuable land, which is essential in densely populated or agricultural areas. The cooling effect from the water enhances the efficiency of solar panels, leading to higher energy output. Additionally, floating solar helps reduce water evaporation while minimizing conflicts over land use. It can be deployed on existing water bodies like reservoirs and lakes, preserving land for other purposes. Furthermore, floating solar can be integrated with established infrastructure, such as hydropower, and offers an effective solution for energy generation in remote or water-scarce regions. In this way, floating solar contributes to a more sustainable and resource-efficient energy future.