Introduction

India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. While land-based solar farms dominate the country’s solar landscape, floating solar power plants are emerging as a promising alternative. With large water reservoirs, dams, and lakes available, floating solar can help India expand its renewable energy footprint while addressing land scarcity issues. However, scaling this technology comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

What is Floating Solar?

Floating solar, also known as Floating Photovoltaics (FPV), involves installing solar panels on floating platforms placed on water bodies like reservoirs, dams, lakes, or even near-shore coastal regions. These installations not only generate clean energy but also reduce water evaporation and improve panel efficiency due to the natural cooling effect of water.

Key features include:

• Floating platforms that hold solar panels above water.
  
• Anchoring and mooring systems to secure installations against wind and water movement.
• Submarine cables to transmit electricity to the grid.

Opportunities of Floating Solar in India

1. Optimal Land Utilization
   Land scarcity is a growing concern for solar expansion in India. Floating solar provides a way to harness water surfaces, reducing the pressure on agricultural and urban land. This opens new avenues for renewable projects without displacing communities or farmland.
   
2. Enhanced Efficiency of Panels
   Solar panels on water stay cooler compared to land-based ones, leading to higher energy output. Studies suggest efficiency gains of 5–15% due to the natural cooling effect of water.
   
3. Reduction in Water Evaporation
   Floating solar helps conserve water by reducing evaporation from reservoirs and dams. This is particularly valuable in water-scarce regions where reservoirs play a critical role in irrigation and drinking water supply.
   
4. Synergy with Existing Infrastructure
   Reservoirs at hydroelectric plants offer ready-made grid connectivity. Floating solar can be integrated with hydropower stations to create hybrid power plants, improving utilization of transmission lines.
   
5. Government Push and Policies
   The Indian government has announced support for floating solar projects through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and state-level initiatives. For example, the NTPC is developing large floating solar plants on reservoirs in Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.
   
6. Potential for Large-Scale Deployment
   According to the World Bank, India has the technical potential to install over 280 GW of floating solar capacity. This represents a significant opportunity to contribute to India’s renewable energy targets.
   

Challenges of Scaling Floating Solar

1. High Initial Costs
   Floating solar requires specialized floats, mooring systems, and waterproof cabling, making upfront costs higher compared to ground-mounted projects. This can discourage private investment in early stages.
   
2. Technical and Engineering Barriers
   Designing floating solar projects that withstand strong winds, waves, and fluctuating water levels is complex. Reservoir-based systems must also handle seasonal variations like monsoon floods.
   
3. Environmental Concerns
   Covering large water surfaces may impact aquatic ecosystems, including sunlight penetration, water quality, and oxygen levels for fish. Strict environmental assessments are necessary before scaling projects.
   
4. Grid Integration and Transmission
   Many reservoirs are located in remote areas where transmission infrastructure may be weak. Adding capacity from floating solar could require significant upgrades in the grid system.
   
5. Operation and Maintenance Challenges
   Maintaining solar panels on water is more difficult than on land. Issues like biofouling, corrosion from moisture, and difficulty in accessing panels for cleaning and repairs increase long-term costs.
   
6. Policy and Financing Gaps
   While India has ambitious solar targets, floating solar policies are still evolving. Lack of standardized guidelines, financing models, and clear regulatory frameworks creates uncertainty for investors.

Floating Solar Projects in India

• NTPC Ramagundam (Telangana): India’s largest floating solar project of 100 MW capacity, spread across a reservoir.
  
• Kayamkulam (Kerala): NTPC’s 92 MW floating solar project.
  
• Rihand Dam (Uttar Pradesh): 50 MW floating solar initiative.
  
• Omkareshwar Dam (Madhya Pradesh): A planned 600 MW floating solar project, one of the largest in the world.
  

These projects show India’s growing confidence in floating solar as part of its renewable energy mix.

The Way Forward

To overcome challenges and scale floating solar effectively, India needs:

• Cost Reduction Through Innovation: Mass production of floats, local manufacturing, and technology improvements will bring down costs.
  
• Robust Policies: Clear guidelines for environmental impact, financing, and project execution will boost investor confidence.
  
• Hybrid Projects: Combining floating solar with hydropower and storage can ensure round-the-clock renewable energy supply.
  
• Research and Development: Focus on materials resistant to corrosion, biofouling, and UV degradation will improve long-term performance.
  
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaboration between government and private players can accelerate scaling.

About the Author

Mr. Ankit Patel, Director & CEO

• Industrial expertise in Business Development, Operations, Finance & Administration, and Product development.
• Navkriti Medal issued by the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi.
• National Meritorious Innovation Award 2018 by NRDC (A DST Enterprise) presented during the Innovate India conference 2019 at EDII, Ahmedabad.
• Recognised for groundbreaking innovation with patent no. 485553 in the Marine Industry

FAQs

Q1: Is floating solar more expensive than land-based solar?
Yes, currently it is costlier due to specialized equipment, but costs are expected to fall with innovation and large-scale adoption.

Q2: Does floating solar impact aquatic life?
It can if not planned carefully. Proper environmental studies and eco-friendly designs are essential to minimize disruption.

Q3: Which states in India are leading in floating solar?
Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh are at the forefront with large projects already operational or under development.

Q4: What is the lifespan of floating solar plants?
Typically 25–30 years, similar to land-based systems, provided maintenance and materials are of high quality.

Q5: How does floating solar help India’s renewable targets?
It can contribute significantly to the 500 GW target by 2030 by utilizing underused water bodies.