Here are some of the pros and cons of installing floating solar systems.

Advantages of floating solar solutions

No loss of valuable land space: compared to ground-mounted solar panels, floating solar panels do not take up valuable land space. As a result, large solar panel systems eliminate the need for deforestation.

Environmental benefits: they reduce evaporation and algae blooms on the surface of the water. They generate clean renewable energy and help reduce reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.

Higher solar panel performance: bodies of water with floating solar arrays help cool solar equipment, which means solar panels generate electricity more efficiently in hot climates.

Disadvantages of floating solar power solutions

Expensive to install: they are more expensive than traditional photovoltaic systems because they require specialized equipment and knowledge.

Limited application: the technology does not work for anyone. Many floating solar installations are large, providing power to large communities, companies or utilities. If you want solar systems, it is more practical to choose rooftop or ground-mounted solar.

Damage to aquatic life: the device prevents sunlight from penetrating the water, thus limiting wildlife in the water. The physical structure can also harm animals - hence the recommendation to install panels on man-made lakes and reservoirs where wildlife is limited.

Maintenance of floating solar panels

Because water provides a cooling effect, floating solar panels require little maintenance. In addition, rainfall helps the cleaning process. For the cleaning and maintenance of solar panels, take the following measures.

Manual cleaning: select professional workers and appropriate materials for the manual cleaning of floating solar panels. Special attention is needed in the selection of materials. That's because certain cleaning chemicals can hinder the performance of floating solar panels.

Sprinkler: air and water can be self-cleaning. Sprinklers are suitable for dry areas. They mimic the cleaning effects of rainfall. As a result, the cost of cleaning the panels is relatively low.

Forced airflow: the use of air conditioning forced airflow. It can also be used for cleaning.

Robots: robotic maintenance technology can help clean and repair floating solar panels. Although the purchase cost is higher, it is also a cost-saving option that reduces water waste.

The cost of building a floating solar plant will vary depending on the size and location of the project. In general, large projects cost more to build than small ones. Land costs will also play a role in the total project cost. Floating solar plants are usually built in sunny places, such as reservoirs. It will cost more to build floating solar plants in areas with strong winds and waves than in calm places. In addition to construction costs, the maintenance costs of floating solar plants also need to be considered. These costs include repairs, replacement parts and routine maintenance. Given all these costs, the cost of building a floating solar plant can be huge. The good news is that there are many benefits (including cost-effectiveness) over the lifetime of a floating solar plant.

Are floating solar panels more efficient than land-based solar plants?

There is much debate about whether floating solar panels are more effective than land-based solar plants. Some believe that water could cool solar panels and make them more efficient. Others argue that water makes solar panels less efficient because it reflects sunlight away from them.

The truth is there is some truth to both arguments. However, studies have shown that floating solar panels are generally about 10 percent more efficient than land-based solar plants. That's because water cools the panels, making them work better.

The challenge of building a floating solar systems

The development of floating solar systems presents different challenges than traditional ground-mounted and rooftop solar systems. Due to hydrodynamic loads on the structure, corrosion risks, and add-ons that require design, installation, and maintenance, such as floats, anchors, and mooring lines. These challenges depend to a large extent on location, size, type of water body, type of structure and environmental conditions. Performing site-specific designs and assessments will help reduce the risk of new and operational floating solar projects. Therefore, building a floating solar plant requires careful planning and preparation. Once operational, however, FPVS could provide clean, efficient energy for the next 25 years.

Conclusion

Floating solar is becoming an increasingly popular way to produce renewable energy. This is a great option for people who want to harness solar power. It does not have enough space on land to install traditional solar panels. If you're interested in learning more about the floating solar system, or want to explore how it could work for you, contact us today. We would be happy to discuss this technology with you and answer any questions you may have.