As climate change intensifies, the focus on decarbonizing energy systems and achieving net-zero emissions has grown significantly. In this context, floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) panels have emerged as a promising solution to meet the electricity demands of several nations. This innovative technology shows great potential as supported by new research from Bangor and Lancaster Universities and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
Environmental scientists specializing in climate, water, and energy, R. Iestyn Woolway and Alona Armstrong, conducted a study to determine the energy output of floating solar panels covering just 10% of the surface area of one million bodies of water worldwide. Their findings reveal that Rwanda and Ethiopia could generate more energy than their current national needs using these floating energy systems alone.
Floating solar panels are an inventive solution that can harness the sun’s power and blend well on buoyant platforms in reservoirs, ponds, and lakes. The cutting-edge installations have the potential to transform the surfaces of water bodies into efficient, renewable energy sources.
FPVs are preferred by countries that do not have a lot of land available. However, they do have large and numerous water bodies. For instance – Ghana has taken the step towards this with the installation of the largest floating solar panel system in Africa on one of its reservoirs.
There are plenty of environmental benefits that accompany this technology, such as keeping land free for other uses and keeping panels cooler, leading to improved efficiency. In this context, Dr. Iestyn Woolway, the lead author of the research study, emphasized these advantages in energy generation. He noted, however, that the impact of floating panels on the ecosystems of natural lakes, especially under varying conditions and locations, remains uncertain. Despite the clear potential for increased energy generation from FPV, Dr. Woolway stressed the need for further research to ensure the technology can be safely adopted.
In conclusion and in terms of practical application, the study revealed that nations such as Ethiopia, New Guinea, and Rwanda had the potential to satisfy all their electricity needs through FPV.
