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🔹 What is Floating Solar?

Floating Solar PV systems consist of solar panels mounted on floating structures that are placed on lakes, reservoirs, dams, water treatment ponds, or even near-shore coastal areas. The system is anchored and moored to keep it stable.

🔹 Components of Floating Solar System

Floating Platform – High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pontoons or floats that carry solar panels.

Solar PV Modules – Panels installed on the floats to capture sunlight.

Anchoring & Mooring System – Keeps the floating structure stable in water and prevents drifting.

Inverters – Convert DC to AC electricity.

Cabling – Special water-resistant, UV-protected cables connect panels to inverters and grid.

Monitoring System – For performance tracking, remote monitoring, and maintenance.

🔹 Advantages

✅ Land Saving – No need for large land areas; water surfaces are utilized.
✅ Higher Efficiency – Water keeps the panels cooler → improves performance (by 5–15%).
✅ Reduced Evaporation – Helps conserve water in reservoirs and dams.
✅ Environmental Benefit – No deforestation or displacement needed.
✅ Scalability – Can be deployed on existing water bodies near power stations.

🔹 Challenges

⚠️ Higher Initial Cost – Floating structures and anchoring are expensive.
⚠️ Durability Issues – Needs materials resistant to water, UV, corrosion, and wind.
⚠️ Maintenance – Algae growth, bird droppings, and water access make cleaning tricky.
⚠️ Grid Connection – Laying underwater cables requires careful design.

🔹 Applications

Dams & Reservoirs – Dual benefit: electricity + water conservation.

Industrial Ponds – Water treatment facilities, cooling ponds.

Urban Lakes – Power supply for nearby communities.

Islands & Remote Areas – Where land is scarce but water is abundant.

🔹 Global Scenario

China – World’s largest floating solar plant (320 MW in Anhui province).

India – National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), NTPC, and JSW Energy are developing multiple FPV projects (Ramagundam 100 MW FPV, Kayamkulam, etc.).

Japan – Early adopter, with many mid-scale FPV plants.

Singapore – 60 MW floating solar on Tengeh Reservoir (one of the largest inland FPVs).

🔹 Future Potential

Global FPV capacity could reach 20–25 GW by 2030.

India alone has estimated potential of over 300 GW (considering available reservoirs and water bodies).

Integration with hydropower dams (called hybrid hydro-solar plants) is a key future trend.

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4 months ago | [YT] | 3