The Floating Solar Panel

Solar power is one of the main solutions when it comes to fighting climate change, and it will stay all the time. Over the years, we have witnessed a proliferation of distributed photovoltaic solar systems installed on rooftops and solar farms to increase clean energy production. As research and development in this area continue, we now have the floating solar panel.

What are floating solar panels? 

These are photovoltaic modules mounted on platforms that float above reservoirs, lakes and oceans where conditions are right. However, these floating solar panels are more challenging and expensive to build. Let's dig in and look at the technology in detail.

How do floating solar panels work?

The floating solar panel

The floating solar solution is also known as a PV solution or floating PV solution. It refers to any solar array that floats on top of a body of water. The solar panels are attached to buoyant structures that allow them to float on the surface of bodies of water. These floating solar panels are mostly found on lakes and dams because they are generally calmer than the ocean.

Floating solar power is an environmentally friendly way to generate electricity. It combines marine and renewable energy technologies. From this floating object, electricity is sent to the transmission tower via underwater cables.

Features of floating solar PV systems

The utility model relates to a device of floating solar panels, which comprises a solar module, a rust-proof material, a vertical frame and a horizontal frame, a buoyant body, a detecting foot pedal and a component mounting assembly. Solar panels need to be high-humidity, dustproof, lead-free, and well-protected from water. The buoyancy is made of polyethylene and can hold up to 2.5 times its weight. The structure of the floating body is coated with magnesium alloy, which has strong corrosion resistance.

Advantages of floating solar PV solutions

Here are some of the advantages of installing floating solar PV solutions.

1. You don't lose valuable land space

Many ground-mounted solar panels result in the loss of valuable land space. However, you do not need land space if you use floating PV systems. These can be installed on unused spaces in water bodies, such as wastewater treatment plants, drinking water reservoirs or hydroelectric dams. Therefore, you can use the land to install solar panels. In addition, installing solar panels on water bodies can reduce deforestation.

2. Good for the environment

Floating solar PV systems are good for the environment. The water provides a cooling effect for the photovoltaic modules. However, they also reduce evaporation from these bodies of water, which is crucial in drought-prone areas.

In addition, floating solar PV solutions on the water can reduce algae blooms in freshwater bodies. Algae can cause health complications when present in drinking water sources. They can also cause the death of plants and animals in the water.

Floating solar panels generate clean energy. Using renewable energy can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels for power generation. As a result, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.

3. Improve solar energy performance

Although solar panels can perform well at high temperatures, they become less efficient over time. As temperatures rise, they become less efficient. When you install photovoltaic modules on a body of water, the water provides a cooling effect, increasing its efficiency.

Disadvantages of the floating solar PV solutions

Here are some of the downsides of floating solar.

1. Expensive installation

Installing floating solar PV systems requires more money than traditional photovoltaic systems. One of the main reasons is that technology is relatively new and therefore requires specialized knowledge and equipment. However, as technology improves, installation costs are expected to fall.

2. Limited apps

This technology doesn't work for anyone. Many floating solar installations are large, providing power to large communities, companies or utilities. If you want solar, it's more practical to choose rooftop or ground-mounted solar PV systems.