Greater efficiency
An increased efficiency of approximately 5-10% of the photovoltaic installation due to the cooling effect of the PV panels on the water surface.
Floating photovoltaics (FPV) is a great solution to utilise the unused surfaces of water bodies to generate green energy. We are a partner of Isigenere and Sungrow Floating PV which are the largest, most reputable and experienced companies supplying floating systems for the installation of photovoltaics on water. The brands Isifloating™ and Sungrow FPV stand for robust, professional floating systems, proven in many projects around the world, in hundreds of megawatts of power. Floating photovoltaics is an innovative technology, but characterised by mature technical know-how that allows to design and construction of installations to operate in virtually any hydrological and meteorological conditions on inland waters.
An increased efficiency of approximately 5-10% of the photovoltaic installation due to the cooling effect of the PV panels on the water surface.
Do not occupy precious lands used for agriculture, livestock or other social needs. Reservoirs can be used in urbanised areas where there is no other place for large PV farms.
They take up less area than a ground-based PV installation of comparable power. On water, the layout of PV panels is simpler, there is no problem of shading, so the panels are arranged more compactly.
higher energy yields for floating PV than conventional PV
for a solar plant on water
Reduced evaporation and water loss after installation of the FPV platform
compared to traditional photovoltaic installations on land, and in many situations are a better alternative to ground-based ones.
Land is increasingly difficult to access for solar PV and increasingly expensive. Water surfaces are more readily available, in good locations for grid connection and are cheaper to lease.
Large-scale terrestrial photovoltaic farms can cause resistance and conflict in local communities. The use of non-utilised water bodies, e.g. post-mining, industrial, retention areas, is much more socially acceptable.
Covering the water surface with an FPV platform significantly reduces evaporation and therefore water loss from the water reservoir. This is of great importance in times of a warming climate and increasing drought. It also improves water quality by reducing water heating.
A PV platform on the water surface inhibits algae and algal growth. It also provides a refuge for fish from predatory birds, so it is a beneficial solution for farm ponds, for example. The platform is placed low above the water, so it does not visually disrupt the landscape.