Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) Installations: Powering the Future from Water
The field of Floating Photovoltaics (FPV) is quickly becoming a pivotal segment within the photovoltaic (PV) industry, especially in regions facing land scarcity.
FPV systems, installed on water bodies, offer an innovative solution to harness solar energy while reducing the need for land. The potential for FPV is massive. A global assessment of inland water bodies reveals that by covering just 10% of these surfaces, FPV installations could achieve a total capacity of 23 terawatts-peak (TWp). This potential represents about 23 times the current global installed PV capacity, capable of generating approximately 25,000 terawatt-hours annually—enough to meet the world’s total annual electricity consumption.
New Standardization Initiatives for FPV
To support the rapid expansion of FPV technology, the solar industry is moving forward with new standardization initiatives, particularly within TC 82 for solar photovoltaic energy systems. Recent developments include:
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Floating Bodies: A New Work Proposal (NP) is under way to develop a technical report on HDPE floating bodies used in FPV systems. As the floating infrastructure’s performance and reliability are essential for long-term FPV operations, standardized tests and inspections for HDPE materials are crucial. The proposed standards will guide design and quality control, ensuring safety and durability.
- Water-Resistant PV Cables: FPV installations require PV cables with enhanced water resistance, as these cables are exposed to more frequent water contact than those in land-based systems. The proposal seeks to develop a PV cable with improved water resistance at AD7 protection levels, optimized for the FPV environment where cables may face extensive water droplets but are not fully submerged.
- Design Guidelines for Floating PV Plants: Another NP item focuses on creating comprehensive design guidelines and recommendations for FPV power plants. This document aims to provide a framework for the effective design and installation of FPV systems, covering key considerations unique to floating installations.
Environmental Impact of FPV Systems
The International Energy Agency's (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) highlights a slightly higher carbon footprint for FPV systems than for land-based solar installations. This difference is due to additional components required for FPV infrastructure. However, FPV remains highly beneficial from a climate perspective, especially when using recycled materials and planning for component reuse at the end of their lifecycle.
Advantages of FPV Systems
Floating PV offers several unique benefits. By utilizing water surfaces instead of land, FPV is an ideal solution for areas where land is scarce or inaccessible. Additionally, FPV systems can reduce water evaporation in reservoirs, while the cooling effect of water helps improve solar panel efficiency, yielding more electricity than similar land-based systems. There are also synergies with hydroelectric power plants, as FPV can use existing electrical infrastructure at such sites, creating an efficient hybrid energy system.
