Floating solar hits $65/MWh LCOE in Brazil, with up to 24 GW of potential
Floating solar could add 17 GW to 24 GW of capacity in Brazil, depending on pricing scenarios, while also reducing water evaporation by up to 50% and conserving water for hydroelectric generation, according to a new study.
Deploying floating PV on mine pit lakes, tailings ponds
Researchers in South Korea have conducted a literature review on recorded cases of floating PV plants placed on mine pit lakes and tailings ponds, both of which are byproducts of the mining industry. Looking at more than dozens of cases, they have concluded that mine pit lakes generally provide more stable environments for deployment.
Floating PV systems could increase the climate resilience of lakes
Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) has conducted new research on the impact of floating PV and water temperature and evaporation.
World’s first offshore wind-solar project moves forward
An offshore solar farm is being deployed close to an existing wind farm as part of a project in the Dutch North Sea. The developers have recently installed an anchoring system that will hold the solar farm in place while an electrical cable connects the array to a nearby wind turbine foundation.
IEA-PVPS calls for better data collection on floating PV
A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) says limited long-term data on floating solar is creating uncertainty and hindering adoption.
Testing floating PV at different heights
Scientists have tested the performance of floating PV panels at a height of 800 mm and 250 mm above their floating structures. Their thermal and electrical performance was compared to that of a reference land-based system and the highest panel was found to show the greatest cooling effect.
New model to measure wave-induced loss in floating PV
Researchers have developed a three-step technique to estimate power generation loss in floating PV farms resulting from changes in tilt and mismatch losses. The new module was tested in an experimental setup and showed that electricity losses mainly depend both on system design and location.
Mibet launches new floaters for PV systems on deep water
Mibet has released new floaters for PV systems deployed in deep water. The G4M system, already installed in Indonesia on a body of water with a depth of 60 meters, allows the solar panels to be tilted at 5 degrees to 15 degrees.
Offshore vs. ground-mounted PV
Researchers in Saudi Arabia have compared the performance of ground-mounted PV plants with that of off-shore solar facilities and have found that floating installations benefit from the cooling effect of the seawater.
Thailand kicks off tender for 205 MW hydro-floating solar hybrid project
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has launched a tender for a 205 MW hydro-floating solar hybrid project at the 779 MW Bhumibol Dam, the largest arch dam in Southeast Asia.
