5 Key Drawbacks of Floating Solar Power and Their Cost Implications

Discover the top 5 drawbacks of floating solar energy systems, including cost considerations and environmental impact. Learn about the true expenses associated with floating solar technologies.

Understanding Floating Solar Power

Floating solar power, or floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, involves solar panels mounted on platforms floating on bodies of water like reservoirs, lakes, or oceans. Unlike traditional land-based solar panels, these installations are set up on floating structures.

In addition to generating renewable energy, floating solar panels help maintain freshwater reservoirs by reducing evaporation and inhibiting algae growth.

While gaining traction globally, floating solar remains relatively uncommon in the U.S. The first floating solar project in the U.S. was installed at Far Niente Winery in California. Recently, Duke Energy has spearheaded pilot projects, including a 2023 floating solar installation on a cooling pond in Florida. As a leading utility provider with over 50,000 MW of energy capacity, Duke Energy is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Duke Energy’s construction supervisor, Don Keyes, highlights, "Floating solar optimizes space by avoiding land use and crop disruption. As solar energy expands, finding suitable locations for installations becomes increasingly crucial." Duke Energy has also pioneered the use of bifacial panels, which capture sunlight from both sides, potentially boosting energy output by 10-20% compared to traditional panels.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that if floating solar farms were installed on all artificial water bodies in the U.S., they could meet up to 10% of the country's annual electricity demand.

Drawbacks of Floating Solar Power

1. Higher Maintenance Expenses

   Floating solar technology is relatively new in the U.S., leading to higher maintenance costs due to a limited number of trained professionals. However, as floating solar adoption increases, these costs are expected to decrease.

2. Potential Water Damage to Panels

   Although designed to be waterproof, continuous water exposure may still pose risks to solar panels. Any damage to a panel could be exacerbated by prolonged contact with water. Despite this, the risk remains minor and should not deter the use of floating solar panels.

3. Impact on Aquatic Life

   The environmental effects of floating solar panels on aquatic ecosystems are still under study. There is a potential risk that these installations could disrupt ecosystems by blocking sunlight and occupying space, possibly affecting aquatic species and their habitats.

4. Increased Pathogen Levels

   Research by IWU suggests that floating solar panels might lead to increased pathogen levels in water bodies due to reduced sunlight penetration, which can create conditions conducive to the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Cost of Floating Solar Systems

The cost of installing floating solar panels can vary based on project size and location. On average, floating solar PV systems are about 25% more expensive than ground-mounted systems due to higher structural costs for floats and anchoring.

In the U.S., floating solar costs range from $0.20 to $0.40 per watt (WDC), with additional expenses for shipping, handling, and engineering. Despite these higher structural costs, installation labor is approximately 50% less expensive than for ground-mounted systems, which can partially offset the initial costs. Larger installations tend to have lower per-unit costs due to economies of scale.

While floating solar systems are more costly upfront than traditional land-based systems, their benefits—such as reduced land use and lower water evaporation—can make them a valuable option in certain situations.

Efficiency of Floating Solar Panels

Floating solar panels have proven to be an effective and increasingly popular method for generating renewable energy. They operate by being mounted on platforms anchored to the waterbed or shore, ensuring stability even with water movement. The panels are assembled onshore before being secured to the water.

Like traditional solar panels, floating solar panels use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The generated power is transmitted through underwater cables to the grid or nearby facilities. One advantage of floating solar systems is the cooling effect of the water, which helps maintain optimal operating temperatures and can increase energy output, especially in hot climates.

Studies indicate that floating solar installations can generate more energy than land-based systems due to this cooling effect.

Floating Solar Power: A Global Overview

As of 2024, China dominates the global floating solar market, accounting for over 50% of the world's capacity. This rapid expansion is driven by factors such as land scarcity, decreasing photovoltaic costs, ambitious renewable energy goals, and a growing market for floating solar technology. Asia is leading this sector, with European countries also showing significant progress. In the next 5-10 years, other nations are expected to follow suit.

Read Complete Article: https://readmagazine.com/industries/energy-and-power-sustainability/5-surprising-disadvantages-of-floating-solar-cost/

Peter is the Editor in chief who works at Read Magazine