Currently, the construction of solar panels on floating platforms is a growing trend. They are anchored to the seabed by cables and are experiencing a global increase, with China, Japan, Europe and now also South America joining this trend. This innovative approach to energy production offers several advantages that highlight its efficiency and sustainability.
Knowing more about this technology
Floating solar panels are operated similarly to their land-based counterparts, but feature the ability to float on water. Each set, or “island,” of panels is installed on a floating mounting platform, secured to the waterbed by cables.
Between each pair of rows of panels, there is a corridor to facilitate electrical maintenance or inspection work by personnel. These panels are designed with special resistance against oxidation and other adverse weather conditions, ensuring their durability and efficiency over time.
Photovoltaic installations have always been located in areas with climates that favor a high number of hours of sunshine per year, generally on floors or roofs. However, floating photovoltaic technology emerged, which makes it possible to take advantage of the surface of water masses, such as swamps, reservoirs and seas, for the installation of floating solar panels.
This innovative approach not only diversifies the locations of solar installations, but also adapts to aquatic environments. This strategy boosts energy efficiency and also opens new perspectives for environmental sustainability.
Advantages of floating solar panels
According to data provided by the World Bank, floating solar energy has the potential to increase the world's existing installed solar energy capacity. This is due to the presence of more than 400,000 square kilometers of aquatic surfaces, such as swamps, reservoirs and other similar structures. In addition, its construction is more economical. The implementation of this technology can significantly contribute to the expansion of solar energy generation.
Likewise, it reduces water loss through evaporation and contributes to water savings by effectively protecting water masses against excessive evaporation. Furthermore, in summer, these facilities act as a barrier to prevent the uncontrolled growth of algae, thus reducing the eutrophication process.
In turn, floating photovoltaic technology plays a crucial role in preventing shore erosion, preventing more intense wind gusts from causing damage.
More and more countries are choosing floating solar panels
Floating panel farms are already spread around the world. For its part, Brazil is a pioneer in South America. The most peculiar thing is that they converted an exhausted mining quarry into a dam that houses thousands of floating solar panels.
The world's largest floating solar farm is located in China. They estimate that it will generate 550 kWh per year. The efficient use of these resources not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels, but also plays a fundamental role in preserving the environment and promoting a sustainable future for generations to come.
Japan and South Korea are leaders in floating solar farms, standing out for their technological innovation. In South Korea, since 2009, it has been carrying out tests related to the topic in the Juam Dam reservoir. Currently, three commercial floating solar installations operate.
In Europe, a leader in renewable energy, they are developing the largest floating solar park on the continent in a reservoir in Alentejo, Portugal.
