Could floating solar panels on reservoirs take the efficiency of solar even further?

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We’re always up for hearing new ideas of how to raise the efficiency even further, and with available land at a premium in many places, finding efficient ways in which to create space for solar facilities is almost as important as making sure the solar generation itself is efficient. 

With the shortage of land, could there have been an alternative staring us in the face the whole time?

Could we put them on water? 

This is what is starting to happen across Asia with floating solar panels popping up on lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. The benefits of this could actually extend much further than we realised, with a new study published in Renewable Energy suggesting that floating solar farms at current hydropower reservoirs could not only reduce solar costs, but meet anywhere up to 40% of the planet’s energy needs.

Reservoirs are being put forward by many as the top option, over using lakes or ponds, for a couple of key reasons. First, the solar power equipment could make use of the existing infrastructure and lines of transmission lines within a hydropower facility, saving on costs. 

 

Also, the technologies can work completely in tandem, with solar at its best during dry seasons and rainy periods ideal for hydropower. A hybrid plant, could therefore store excess solar power using pumped storage hydropower, with electricity used to pump water to a higher elevation.

 

Essentially, solar and water go perfectly together and we couldn’t be happier to see.


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