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Floating Photovoltaics: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Essak

    (College of Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Renewable Energy, University of Exeter, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK)

  • Aritra Ghosh

    (College of Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Renewable Energy, University of Exeter, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK)

Abstract

The world is transitioning towards a net zero emissions future and solar energy is at the forefront of the transition. The land use requirements to install solar farms present a barrier for the industry as population density increases and land prices rise. Floating photovoltaics (FPV) addresses this issue by installing solar photovoltaics (PV) on bodies of water. Globally, installed FPV is increasing and becoming a viable option for many countries. A 1% coverage of global reservoirs with FPV would have a potential capacity of 404GWp benign power production. There are numerous advantages to FPV compared to ground mounted PV (GPV), which are discussed in this review. The major gap in research is the impact FPV has on water quality and living organisms in the bodies of water. This review paper examines the most recent research around FPV, analyzing the benefits, downfalls, and future. The review provides more insight into FPV in terms of varying water bodies that can be used, system efficiency, global potential, and potential for coupling FPV with other technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Essak & Aritra Ghosh, 2022. "Floating Photovoltaics: A Review," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:4:y:2022:i:3:p:46-769:d:882623
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. C.J., Ramanan & Lim, King Hann & Kurnia, Jundika Candra & Roy, Sukanta & Bora, Bhaskor Jyoti & Medhi, Bhaskar Jyoti, 2024. "Towards sustainable power generation: Recent advancements in floating photovoltaic technologies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    4. Ghandehariun, Samane & Ghandehariun, Amir M. & Ziabari, Nima Bahrami, 2023. "Performance prediction and optimization of a hybrid renewable-energy-based multigeneration system using machine learning," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    5. Maier, Rachel & Lütz, Luna & Risch, Stanley & Kullmann, Felix & Weinand, Jann & Stolten, Detlef, 2024. "Potential of floating, parking, and agri photovoltaics in Germany," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    6. Nobre, Regina & Boulêtreau, Stéphanie & Colas, Fanny & Azemar, Frederic & Tudesque, Loïc & Parthuisot, Nathalie & Favriou, Pierre & Cucherousset, Julien, 2023. "Potential ecological impacts of floating photovoltaics on lake biodiversity and ecosystem functioning," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    7. Ma, Chao & Wu, Runze & Liu, Zhao & Li, Xinyang, 2024. "Performance assessment of different photovoltaic module technologies in floating photovoltaic power plants under waters environment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C).

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