In the modern world, renewable energy will have a fast effect on our lifestyle and is one of the main points that help answer climate change and reduce fossil fuel dependence. Among the plethora of innovations in this domain, floating solar power plants are being investigated as a novel development and sustainable concept. Floating solar power plants have completely changed the way we generate solar energy.
In this blog, we will explore what a floating solar power plant is, its advantages and disadvantages, and its growing popularity around the world.
Floating solar power plants, or floating photovoltaic systems, are solar panels placed on bodies of water such as lakes, reservoirs and ponds. Solar farms normally require large tracts of land to operate, but these systems are adjusting unused water surfaces.
The panels have been floating on platforms amidst the supply of energy and make use of specific anchors to keep them stable. Just like land-based solar systems, they are connected to power grids. This novel design enables us to better utilise natural resources and also produces renewable energy.
Improved Efficiency
Floating solar panels benefit from a cooling effect provided by the water beneath them, enhancing their efficiency by up to 12.5%. This contributes to increased electricity production compared to land-based systems
Land Conservation
Solar farms often need great areas of land, which is a rare commodity in the city. This limitation goes away with floating solar panels that use underutilised water bodies such as irrigation ponds or reservoirs.For instance, India's floating solar installations include projects like the 48-acre floating solar plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
Environmental Benefits
Floating solar farms reduce water evaporation by up to 70%, preserving water for critical uses. Additionally, they prevent sunlight from reaching the water's surface, thereby inhibiting algae growth and maintaining cleaner water bodies
Dual Use of Resources
Floating solar power plants can serve as a supplement, auxiliary or complementary facility to an existing one like hydroelectric dams. Utilising the two systems together means we can produce additional energy in one location.
Higher Installation Costs
As floating solar power plants demand to invest in specialised equipment including platforms and anchoring systems the cost of floating solar may be higher than on land-based systems.
Maintenance Difficulties
Maintenance is slightly difficult as water and weather conditions can act upon the panels. Being constantly exposed to moisture, the wear and tear will also be quicker.
Weather-Related Risks
Floating solar systems can be at risk of strong winds, waves and heavy rains. This is why appropriate design and engineering are necessary to tolerate such events.
Hydroelectric Dams: The addition of solar panels to reservoirs can increase the amount of electricity produced and will make the entire system operate more efficiently.
Urban water reservoirs: Cities can harness solar energy over water bodies without trading off land, as they may utilise reservoirs.
Irrigation Pools: Floating solar farms can be used in agricultural applications where land can be sacrificed and water saved to charge power electronic equipment.
These projects showcase how floating solar technology is evolving and being adopted worldwide.
The cost of floating solar power plants is initially higher than traditional systems, but they offer long-term benefits.
While the upfront investment is higher, the return on investment (ROI) is promising due to improved efficiency and dual-purpose usage.
Floating solar farms contribute significantly to the environment:
Reduction in Carbon Footprint: Like other renewable energy sources, they help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Water Conservation: Reduces the amount of water available for agriculture, drinking, or industrial use.
Cleaner Water: By reducing algae growth, they ensure water bodies remain healthier.
These benefits make floating solar farms a sustainable choice for the future.
Floating solar power plants are revolutionizing how we generate renewable energy. By utilizing water bodies like lakes, reservoirs, and dams, these solar panels not only save valuable land space but also provide several economic and environmental benefits. This innovative solution is gaining popularity as a sustainable way to meet growing energy demands while protecting the planet.
Efficient use of water bodies: Floating solar panels make optimal use of unused or underutilised water surfaces.
Solves land scarcity issues: Ideal for regions where land is expensive or limited, avoiding disruption of agricultural or urban areas.
Smart resource utilization: Allows for clean energy production without competing for valuable land resources.
The future of floating solar technology looks bright as the demand for clean energy rises.
Improved Technology: Novel designs for floating solar facilities may provide these systems with a longer lifespan and lower cost.
Increased Adoption: Floating solar is busting out of its science project phase with increased adoption in more countries that recognize the potential and add it to their energy mix.
Climate Goals: The ongoing transition towards achieving net zero emissions across the globe will require significant contributions in the form of floating solar parks.
Floating solar power plants are also an intelligent use of natural resources rather than just an energy solution.
By embracing floating solar energy systems, we get to pave the way for a cleaner green tomorrow.
The rise of floating solar highlights the shift toward cleaner energy. From just 70 MW in 2015 to 2.6 GW within a few years, its growth has been remarkable. Companies like Fenice Energy are driving this progress, working on projects to achieve net-zero emissions.
| Project Name | Capacity (MW) | Location | Impact |
| Ramagundam Floating Solar Plant | 100 | 500 acres, 40 blocks | Reduces coal consumption by 1,65,000 tons annually |
| Simhadri Floating Solar PV Project | 25 | 75 acres | Saves 1,364 million litres of water per year |
| Banasura Sagar Floating Solar Power Project | 25.91 | Banasura Sagar reservoir | Minimises water evaporation |
| Omkareshwar Reservoir Floating Solar Power Plant | 600 | World’s largest floating solar project | The key player in sustainable energy expansion |
Comparison of 8.3 kW SPV & 8.3 kW FPV power plants at Bhimtal lake
| Parameter | 8.3 kW SPV | 8.3 kW FPV |
| Annual energy supplied to the grid (kWh) | 12,291 | 12,567 |
| Average Module Temperature ( oC) | 34.35 | 29.35 |
| Amount of water saved from evaporation annually (lakh litres) | 0 | 1.85 |
| Reduction in CO2 Emission annually(In tonnes) | 0 | 14.44 |
Floating solar farms, a new advance in sustainable energy. These floating farms use water bodies instead of land to help alleviate space constraints, and they bring large environmental advantages through the conservation of freshwater resources and the generation of cleaner energy.
Over time, with enhanced technology and widespread adoption, such systems will be a key driver of sustainability objectives on the world stage. Floating solar power plants will undoubtedly be the way of our future and investing in them today ensures a brighter tomorrow that is sustainable and green.
FAQs
A floating solar power plant consists of solar panels installed on water bodies like lakes or reservoirs to generate renewable energy.
Floating solar panels are generally more efficient because the water beneath keeps them cooler, improving their performance.
The installation cost is higher than traditional solar systems due to the need for floating platforms and anchors. However, they offer better efficiency and long-term benefits.
Countries like China, India, and Japan are at the forefront of adopting floating solar power plants.
Yes, but they require proper design and engineering to withstand strong winds, waves, and other weather challenges.
