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Floating solar PV (FPV) systems convert sunlight to electricity the same way land-based solar systems do and with the same conventional PV technology. The primary difference is that rather than mounting these PV panels on rooftops or the ground, FPV systems’ panels are mounted on food-grade plastic (HDPE) pontoons or floats which rest on top of reservoirs, ponds, and other inland freshwater bodies. These pontoons are combined into arrays sized according to a customer’s needs and other factors. Arrays are tethered to the shore or water body’s bottom using marine steel cables and anchors to ensure stability, and the whole system connects to the electricity grid and/or an on-shore battery through floating or submerged cables.
Floating solar offers numerous advantages:
Floating solar is traditionally deployed on man-made water bodies, such as reservoirs and water treatment ponds. These environments are more controlled, allowing for cheaper installation and structure. However, FPV can be deployed in more extreme environments, such as Noria’s project at the Urra hydroelectric facility in Colombia, which experiences 100-foot water level changes.
FPV systems are engineered for durability. The floats are made of UV-resistant, corrosion-resistant, high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The entire array is anchored securely and designed to withstand high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures, even in hurricane-prone areas.
Floating solar is designed to be environmentally friendly:
FPV systems can generate equal or even greater output than similarly sized land-based systems, thanks to the natural cooling effect of water, which boosts efficiency. Additionally, the ability to cover large water surfaces allows for massive capacity installations, sometimes up to hundreds of megawatts on a single reservoir.
Floating solar systems are assembled using modular platforms onto which solar panels are mounted. These platforms are then securely anchored to the waterbed or shoreline, depending on site conditions. The modular design not only streamlines installation but also allows for easy expansion or reconfiguration over time, making it ideal for phased deployments.
Maintenance is minimal and efficient. Regular tasks include cleaning the panels, inspecting anchoring systems, and monitoring electrical performance, often via drone monitoring.
Absolutely. FPV systems can complement hydropower plants by sharing transmission infrastructure and optimizing energy output—solar during the day, hydro at night or during demand peaks, or stabilizing seasonal variation. This hybrid approach maximizes efficiency and grid resiliency.
Floating solar panels have a similar lifespan to land-based ones—typically 25 to 35 years. The floats and mounting systems are also built to last decades with minimal degradation, especially in freshwater environments. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure optimal performance over time.
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