Floating solar energy

courtesy : Floating solar energy

Floating solar power plant

Problems of fast depletion of fossil fuel reservoirs and environmental damage due to the emission of greenhouse gases have increased the need for a sustainable energy source. Solar energy seems to be the best option to meet all the energy requirements for the future. However, setting up large solar power plants requires a huge land area. A floating solar power plant offers the best solution for efficient power generation in today’s scenario. This power generation system uses large water bodies to set up a floating solar unit to capture sufficient solar energy without the need for land.

How does a Floating Solar Power Plant Function?

Floating power plants have PV solar panels set up on top of water bodies like lakes, dams, or any other water body that is calm to prevent any damage to the panels. Solar panels on the floating solar power plant are firmly fixed on buoyant structures to keep them afloat on water bodies to receive sufficient sunlight throughout the year. Electric current transfers from these panels to power plants through underwater cables.

Features of Floating Solar Power Plants

The largest floating solar power plants require a different set-up than the world’s largest solar power plant built on the land. Floating solar plants face constant exposure to harsh climatic conditions. Therefore, this solar module must have the following features for better longevity:

• Rust-resistant horizontal and vertical frames.
• Sturdy buoyancy body to carry load efficiently.
• Lead-free, dustproof, and humidity-resistant solar panels to avoid water and environmental damage.
• Corrosion-resistant Magnesium alloy floating structure to prevent rusting due to continuous exposure to water.

Advantages of a Floating Solar Power Plant

Following are the benefits of installing floating power plants:

• All that a floating solar power plant requires is a still water body like dams, wastewater, or lakes for installation. This assists in saving valuable land area for purposes like cultivation and farming.
• It reduces the growth of algae in freshwater bodies. Algae is harmful to human consumption. Therefore, a floating solar plant plays an important role in maintaining water hygiene.
• Large floating solar plants reduce evaporation processes which assist in the conservation of water while keeping the PV module cool.
• It generates clean energy to reduce the use of harmful fossil fuels.
• Land or rooftop solar panels’ efficiency reduces with time due to continuous exposure to extreme sunlight. On the contrary, the cooling effect of water bodies protects the floating PV panels from heat damage and maintains their efficient function for a longer duration.

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