An international research team has evaluated the global status of inland floating photovoltaic (FPV) installations to guide investment decision-making and explore the potential of this renewable energy technology. Their comprehensive study examined deployment trends, performance, cost-effectiveness, and benefits like water and electricity savings, while also addressing advanced system designs such as tilt angles, trackers, and bifacial solar panels.
The research, led by the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS), utilized the largest global database of FPV installations, consisting of 1,142 systems with a cumulative capacity of 5.9 GW as of 2022. Additionally, a worldwide reservoir database covering over 2.2 million km² was leveraged to assess site suitability and potential deployment. Insights revealed that 90% of FPV installations are located in Asia, with China dominating the market, thanks to favorable feed-in tariffs, renewable energy policies, and regulatory support. Other nations, including India and Israel, have gained momentum in recent years, ranking among the top 10 regions for FPV deployment.
The study highlighted significant growth in the median size and power density of FPV systems. From 2013 to 2022, the median plant size increased from 0.09 MW to 1.40 MW, while power density rose from 82 W/m² to 123 W/m². Key players in the industry include Sungrow and Ciel et Terre, with Sungrow leading in terms of project scale, averaging 9.4 MW per installation. Installation costs have also declined, showcasing the economic viability of FPV systems under favorable conditions. For example, an Indian project achieved a capital expenditure as low as $0.41/W, positioning FPV as a cost-competitive alternative to other renewable energy sources.
The research explored various design configurations to maximize energy yield, such as fixed tilt angles, single- and dual-axis tracking systems, and bifacial solar panels, which capture sunlight from both sides. By analyzing these setups, the researchers estimated that covering 10% of the area of 249,717 inland reservoirs could yield an enormous capacity of 22 TW, sufficient to meet global electricity demand and fulfill up to 5% of the world’s water needs.
The study underscores the broader benefits of FPV, including reduced evaporation from reservoirs and improved energy production efficiency due to water cooling effects. With inland FPV demonstrating promising scalability, the research team plans to focus on offshore applications next, investigating their energy potential, design challenges, costs, and operational requirements.
The findings, published in Progress in Energy, were supported by contributions from multiple international institutions, including SERIS and the National University of Singapore, as well as universities in Ecuador, Hong Kong, Canada, and Australia. By providing a detailed analysis of FPV systems and their global potential, the research aims to inspire further development and investment in this innovative solar technology.
www.pv-magazine.com/2025/01/22/around-10-of-the-worlds-inland-reservoirs-could-host-22-tw-of-floating-pv/