India is undergoing a massive energy transformation. With the ambitious target to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, solar power has emerged as one of the cornerstones of this mission. But with increasing land scarcity, environmental challenges, and a growing thirst for clean energy, India is now exploring innovative ways to harvest solar power — not just from land, but also from water bodies.
Floating Solar Plants and Land-Based Solar Parks have become two primary options for large-scale solar power generation. But which of these is more efficient? And more importantly, which one is better suited for India’s diverse geography and infrastructural needs?
Let’s dive into the details.
Floating Solar Plants, also known as floatovoltaics, are solar power systems installed on the surface of calm water bodies such as lakes, dams, reservoirs, and even abandoned mining pits.
Bonus Benefit: They utilize underused water surfaces while preserving valuable land for agriculture, forestry, or urban development.
Land-Based Solar Parks are the conventional large-scale solar farms most people are familiar with — large, open fields covered with rows of solar panels.
Challenge: They require vast stretches of flat land, which in land-scarce countries like India can lead to conflicts with agricultural, residential, or ecological land use.
| Criteria | Floating Solar Plants | Land-Based Solar Parks |
|---|---|---|
| Land Usage | No land required | Requires large tracts of land |
| Cooling & Efficiency | 5–15% higher due to natural water cooling | Lower due to heat buildup |
| Installation Cost | 20–30% higher initially | Lower |
| Maintenance | Easier (less dust, algae control) | Frequent cleaning, higher manpower |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces evaporation, minimal land disturbance | Land clearing, possible soil degradation |
| Scalability | Limited to available water bodies | Easier in desert or barren lands |
As someone working closely in the maritime and floating infrastructure space, I’ve observed how water bodies are emerging as an untapped asset for renewable energy. Here’s why floating solar is not just a trend — it’s a logical next step.
Solar panels tend to lose efficiency as they heat up, especially in India’s tropical climate. Floating them over water allows the panels to remain cooler, improving their performance by 5–15% compared to land-based systems. This natural cooling effect translates into better energy yields and longer panel life.
Land is scarce, especially in densely populated or agriculturally fertile regions. Floating solar plants sidestep this issue by utilizing idle water surfaces like reservoirs, lakes, and even industrial ponds. This allows land to be preserved for food production, forestry, or urban development.
A lesser-known but valuable benefit is that floating solar panels can significantly reduce evaporation rates in reservoirs and dams — particularly useful in water-stressed regions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), covering just 10% of a water body’s surface can reduce evaporation by up to 70%.
In regions where water reservoirs exist primarily for drinking water or irrigation, adding solar panels on their surface transforms them into dual-purpose utilities — generating clean energy while conserving water.
Since floating panels are away from dust-laden environments like fields or roads, they require less frequent cleaning. Algae growth on water can also be managed naturally or with occasional cleaning, reducing operational expenses.
India is witnessing a growing number of floating solar projects, driven by state governments and private firms:
This was one of India’s first floating solar plants, installed on the Banasura Sagar reservoir in Wayanad. Although small in size (500 kWp), it demonstrated the technical feasibility of such systems in Indian conditions.
Currently India’s largest floating solar installation, this 100 MW project by NTPC covers a portion of the Ramagundam reservoir and significantly reduces water evaporation while powering nearby areas.
These examples indicate the growing acceptance and adaptability of floating solar infrastructure in India’s energy mix.
As the demand for floating solar infrastructure grows across India, the importance of having experienced, technically sound, and dependable partners becomes crucial. This is where AIPL (Acquafront Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.) plays a pioneering role.
We at AIPL specialize in delivering integrated, turn-key solutions for floating infrastructure projects — from concept design to commissioning.
In pure numbers, floating solar plants outperform land-based parks by around 5–15% in efficiency, thanks to natural cooling and reduced dust interference.
However, each has its place:
The future of India’s solar story lies in a hybrid approach — combining the vast potential of open lands with the underutilized promise of its water bodies.
Energy Floating Solar Panels are solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on floating platforms over water bodies to generate clean and renewable electricity without occupying land.
The Acqua Energy Series is Acquafront’s integrated floating energy solution designed for energy generation, storage, and distribution, using high‑durability floating platforms engineered for Indian water conditions.
Floating solar systems can be installed on reservoirs, ponds, lakes, canals, dams, and other calm or low‑current inland water bodies.
Floating solar plants do not require land acquisition, reduce water evaporation, and offer higher efficiency due to natural cooling from water surfaces.
Acquafront uses RCC/GFRC floating beams filled with EPS, offering high strength, buoyancy, corrosion resistance, and long service life.
The floating platforms are designed for a service life of up to 50 years, subject to normal operation and periodic maintenance.
Systems are modular and scalable, starting from 10 kW and expandable to 100 kW, 500 kW, 1 MW, and utility‑scale installations.
Yes. The modular design allows easy expansion by adding more floating units and solar panels without disturbing existing installations.
Yes. Floating solar panels cover a portion of the water surface, significantly reducing evaporation losses, especially in reservoirs and ponds.
Yes. When properly designed and installed, floating solar systems are suitable for drinking water reservoirs and help reduce algae growth.
Anchoring systems are designed based on site‑specific parameters such as water depth, wind load, and water level variations, using dead anchors, RCC anchors, or mooring systems.
Yes. RCC/GFRC floating beams are highly resistant to corrosion, UV exposure, and harsh environmental conditions.
No. The floating platforms are engineered to maintain stability under wind, wave, and water level fluctuations.
Key advantages include long lifespan, low maintenance, modular scalability, eco‑friendly materials, and compliance with Indian engineering standards.
Yes. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can be integrated for energy storage, peak load management, and off‑grid applications.
Yes. Floating solar plants can be designed for both grid‑connected and off‑grid applications, including remote and rural areas.
Municipal bodies, irrigation departments, industries, water utilities, mining, smart cities, and renewable energy developers can benefit from floating solar systems.
Floating solar promotes clean energy generation, reduces carbon emissions, conserves land and water, and supports India’s renewable energy goals.
Maintenance includes periodic inspection of solar panels, electrical systems, anchoring arrangements, and floating platforms.
Yes. Designs are aligned with applicable Indian engineering practices, structural standards, and quality norms.
Yes. Acquafront offers end‑to‑end services including site survey, design, manufacturing, supply, installation, commissioning, and maintenance support.
Installation timelines depend on project size and site conditions but are generally faster than land‑based solar projects due to modular construction.
Yes. Properly designed floating solar systems have minimal environmental impact and may improve water quality by reducing algae growth.
Yes. Modular floating solar systems can be dismantled and relocated if project requirements change.
The cooling effect of water reduces solar panel temperature, resulting in higher energy output compared to conventional ground‑mounted systems.
Acquafront combines engineering expertise, patented floating technology, durable materials, and turnkey execution, making it a reliable partner for floating solar projects.
