Are floatovoltaics the future of solar power?, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld

What are floatovoltaics?

Floatovoltaics, floating photo voltaic vegetation, or FSPV (floating photo voltaic photovoltaic) as it’s an acronym, are panel buildings positioned on our bodies of water reminiscent of lakes, basins, and reservoirs as an alternative of strong buildings. reminiscent of a roof or terrace. The most important impetus behind the rise of large-scale FSPV is that it doesn’t take up any land, which can be utilized for building and agriculture.

The Daybreak, The Rising

The world’s first large-scale FSPV system was put in in 2011, in Napa Valley, California. Since then, there isn’t any turning again, it’s predicted that in 2025 there will probably be 10 GW of put in capability. Lately, floating solar energy vegetation have grow to be a part of India’s photo voltaic growth plans. In line with a 2020 examine by TERI (The Vitality and Assets Institute) reservoirs cowl 18000 sq. Kilometers in India and generate 280 GW by floating photo voltaic panels.

Present standing of FSPV installations worldwide

Do you know?

– At present lower than 1% of photo voltaic installations are floating!
– The biggest floating solar energy plant in India as we speak is Ramagundam in Peddapalli district of Telangana, with a capability of 100 MW.
– At present a plant is being constructed at Narmada’ Omkareshwar Dam in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh is being constructed with a capability of 600 MW, which can quickly be the biggest floating solar energy plant on the planet. The mission is estimated to price Rs 3000 crore.

The Professionals, The Cons

The thrilling factor about floatovoltaics is that it doesn’t occupy land that might be used for different functions. However it’s dearer than land-based options, about 15 to 30% greater than land-based counterparts. And it is not good for properties, it is principally completed for presidency initiatives, firms, and business entities. The water underneath the photo voltaic modules supplies a cooling impact on the modules, leading to significantly better effectivity than their terrestrial counterparts.

However one in every of its pitfalls is that the algae and different aquatic life will probably be affected, as a result of lack of direct daylight that they develop. There are additionally many upkeep points associated to floating vegetation, requiring particular care to make sure electrical security.

Two main obstacles to the explosion of this phenomenon are the excessive price of supplies and the complicated set up concerned. Within the close to future, you are positive to see an inflow of those out-of-the-box, inventive methods to scale back power use on the bottom. The worldwide floating photo voltaic market is predicted to
will develop by a fifth to $180 million by the yr 2050.

Ought to we make investments extra in floatovoltaics?

Sure, if completed with cautious planning and diligent efforts, floating photo voltaic has the potential to supply a much-needed supply of low-carbon power. However this can’t be completed on the expense of valuable aquatic life. Constructions needs to be in-built a means that helps cut back evaporation and stop the unfold of poisonous algae that contaminate the water provide.

Floating photo voltaic panels may also be mixed with different clear applied sciences reminiscent of hydropower. This helps in offering a relentless energy provide in the course of the consistently fluctuating climate situations. Photo voltaic can be utilized in the course of the day and hydropower can be utilized at evening. Such an progressive fusion and integration of applied sciences will do wonders within the close to future, making the dream of transitioning to 100% renewable power an achievable actuality.

[This piece was written by Ravi Kumar, a founding team member and Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Oorjan Cleantech]