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Floating Solar PV

by | Jan 27, 2021 | Renewable Energy, Solar PV, Sustainability

In August 2020, more than 35 countries were operating floating solar PV systems – generating approximately 2.6GW of electricity – and in the next five years, floating solar PV is expecting global growth of 20%.

 

Floating Solar PV (FPV) are PV panels which are mounted onto floating structures in rivers and lakes. The first FPV system was constructed in Aichi, Japan in 2007 and showcased that PV systems were more than just a rooftop item. 

 

Benefits of FPV

  • FPV doesn’t require terrestrial land which means that there is more available land to: build homes, use for agriculture or better yet leave for wildlife.
  • The water around the FPV helps keep the solar array cool which improves the performance of the panels by 5–10 per cent.

 

Limitations of FPV

  • FPV is very expensive and costs around 20–25% more than land or roof systems. This is typical because they require buoyant structures, and anchoring systems and incur extra development costs.
  • Due to the wet environment, FPVs are at greater risk of corrosion and degradation – especially if they are constructed in marine environments. 
  • FPV systems require greater planning since constructors need to take into account water level fluctuations, weather conditions and river/lake bed type. 
  • Scientists also raise concerns over the potential problems FPV may cause to water quality and the local aquatic life. 

 

UK FPV Project

 

Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir

The UK developed its first FPV system in 2014 in the Queen Elizabeth II reservoir. This 6.3MW installation hosts just over 23,000 solar panels which stretch for around 13km. 100% of the generated energy produced by the FPV system is used to help power ‘Thames Water’ and provides 20% of the company’s energy.

Lightsource described this project as a ‘miracle of engineering’; It required new planning strategies, 61,000 floating platforms, 177 anchors and collaborative partnership between Thames Water and the Lightsource team.

The panels cover less than 10% of the Queen Elizabeth II reservoir yet generate 5.8million kWh of electricity every year – that is enough to power 1,800 homes.

To watch Lightsources short video on the Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir, watch HERE.

From rooftops to rivers, solar PV is continually showing its dynamic nature of use.

 

About Wessex Eco Energy

Based in Dorchester, Dorset, we are an award-winning eco-build, solar, battery, and electric vehicle charger installer with a great deal of experience in the domestic and commercial markets. We help our clients to reduce their impact on the environment and save money in the process.

 

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