Jnana Sangama, Belagavi – 590 018, Karnataka, India

A Technical Seminar Presentation

“ The Rise Of The Floating Solar Farm”

PRESENTED BY : UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF :

RAHUL NALWAD Dr. P. Shiva Keshava Kumar MTech., Ph.D.
3PG20CV017 Prof. & HOD
Dept. of Civil Engineering

PROUDADEVARAYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

HOSAPETE – 583 225
 Table Of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Rise of Floating Photovoltaics
3. Advantages of Floating Photovoltaic Systems
4. Floating Photovoltaic System Components
5. Site Selection
6. Economical Considerations
7. Floating Photovoltaic Systems in india and Challanges
8. Environmental Impact
9. Effects on fish
10. Case Study: Tengeh Reservoir Solar Floating Farm, Singapore
11. Challenges and Future Prospects
Floating Photovoltaic
Systems: Harnessing
the Power of Water

As the world grapples with the growing demand for

energy and the urgent need to mitigate climate change,
floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems have emerged as a
promising solution. These innovative systems, which
involve installing solar panels on water bodies, offer a
unique opportunity to generate renewable energy while
minimizing land usage and addressing environmental
concerns.
 The Rise of Floating Photovoltaics
Early Beginnings 1
The concept of floating solar
panels dates back to the late
2000s when the first FPV system
was installed in Japan in 2007. 2 Rapid Growth
This pioneering project paved the Over the past decade, the installed
way for further exploration and capacity of FPV systems has been
development of this technology. doubling annually, driven by the
increasing demand for renewable energy
sources and the need to address land
Global Expansion 3 constraints. This remarkable growth
As the benefits of FPV systems trajectory highlights the growing
become more widely recognized, acceptance and adoption of FPV
countries around the world are technology worldwide.
embracing this technology. From
Singapore's Tengeh Reservoir to
India's Ujjani reservoir, large-
scale FPV projects are being
implemented, demonstrating the
versatility and scalability of this
approach.
Advantages of Floating Photovoltaic
Systems
1 Land Conservation 2 Water Conservation
One of the most significant FPV systems can help mitigate
advantages of FPV systems is their water evaporation from
ability to conserve valuable land reservoirs and other water
resources. By utilizing water bodies, bodies by providing shade. This
these systems eliminate the need for not only conserves water
large tracts of land, making them resources but also improves
particularly attractive in densely water quality, making it a
populated areas or regions with valuable solution in water-
limited available land. stressed regions.
3 Increased Efficiency
The cooling effect provided by the water beneath the solar
panels can enhance the efficiency and lifespan of the PV
system. This natural cooling mechanism helps to offset the
performance losses associated with high temperatures,
resulting in improved energy generation.
 Floating Photovoltaic System Components

Floating Platform The floating platform is the foundation of an FPV system, providing buoyancy
and stability for the solar panels. Various designs are available, including
buoyancy-based platforms, semi-submersible platforms, tension leg
platforms, and floating rafts. The choice of platform depends on factors such
as water conditions, wind loads, and project scale.

Solar Panels Crystalline silicon panels are commonly used in FPV systems due to their
proven performance and durability. However, alternative technologies like
cadmium telluride (CdTe), amorphous silicon (a-Si), and copper indium
gallium selenide (CIGS) are also viable options, particularly for marine
environments where corrosion resistance is crucial.

Electrical Cables, inverters, and safety devices are essential components of an FPV
Components system. Underwater cables transmit the generated electricity, while inverters
convert the direct current (DC) from the solar panels into alternating current
(AC) for grid integration. Proper grounding, insulation, and surge protection
ensure electrical safety.
 Site Selection for Floating Photovoltaic
Systems

Water Conditions Ground Conditions Location and Weather

Suitable water The ground conditions The location should be free
conditions are crucial for at the installation site from shadowing caused by
the successful play a vital role in the surrounding buildings or
implementation of an anchoring and stability mountains, have convenient
FPV system. Factors of the FPV system. transportation access, and
such as limited wave Compact soil suitable be in close proximity to
activity, freshwater with for anchoring and a electrical connections.
low hardness, and low consistent terrain are Additionally, abundant
salinity are preferred to desirable sunlight, low occurrence of
ensure the stability and characteristics for a rain or fog, and wind speeds
longevity of the floating successful installation. not exceeding 30 m/s are
platform. favorable weather
conditions for optimal
energy generation.
 Economical Considerations

Cost-Effectiveness Operational Savings Potential for Growth

While FPV systems currently FPV systems offer long-
have a higher initial cost With the increasing demand
term operational savings for renewable energy and the
compared to ground- by eliminating the need
mounted PV systems, their limited availability of land, the
for fuel and minimizing market for FPV systems is
levelized cost of energy maintenance costs.
(LCOE) is becoming expected to grow significantly.
Additionally, the water This presents opportunities for
increasingly competitive. cooling effect can extend
With advancements in investment and innovation in
the lifespan of the solar this emerging technology.
technology and economies of panels, further
scale, the costs associated contributing to cost
with floating construction, savings over the system's
anchoring, and mooring are lifetime.
expected to decrease.
 Floating Photovoltaic Systems in india
1. India is already adpoted the floating photovoltaic system in various location , However india’s largest floating
solar farm of Omkareshwar Dam of Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh which as capacity to produce 600MW,
The project costing 3000 crores (approx 400 million USD) which has started to generate power for FY24.This
covers approximately 2000ht or 20 sq.km of water area the in Khandwa district. So it costs approx 150 crore
for 1 sq.km of area producing 30MW/sq.km . As compared to conventional solar farms used in lands cost
approxmately Rs 8.6 crores for generating power of 150MW.

Challanges Faced In India

2. Construction, operation, and maintenance challenges
3. Limited applicability
4. Specific environmental conditions
 Environmental Impact
By generating clean, renewable energy, FPV
Reduced Carbon Emissions systems help to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels
and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,
contributing to the fight against climate change.

Water Conservation The shading provided by the solar panels can

significantly reduce water evaporation from
reservoirs and other water bodies, conserving
valuable water resources.

Land Preservation FPV systems eliminate the need for large tracts of
land, helping to preserve agricultural land and
natural habitats, which is particularly important
in densely populated areas.
Minimal Ecological When properly designed and installed, FPV
Disturbance systems have minimal impact on aquatic
ecosystems, allowing for the coexistence of
renewable energy generation and environmental
conservation.
 Effects on fish
1. Positive effects
Shading from the solar panels can create cooler water temperatures, which can be
beneficial for some fish species that prefer cooler habitats, such as trout and salmon.

2.Negative effects
2. Reduced light penetration
3. Fish habitat can be impacted by the installation and maintenance of the solar panels.
4. Floating solar panels can disrupt fish migration patterns.
5. Noise from construction and maintenance activities can stress fish.
Case Study: Tengeh Reservoir Solar
Floating Farm, Singapore
The Tengeh Reservoir in Singapore is home to one of the world's largest
floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, showcasing the potential and success
of this technology. With a capacity of 60 MWp and covering an area
equivalent to 45 football fields, the Tengeh Reservoir Floating Solar PV
system is a remarkable feat of engineering and renewable energy
integration.

This pioneering project not only contributes to Singapore's renewable

energy goals but also offsets a significant portion of the Public Utilities
Board's annual energy needs. The system has been meticulously designed
to minimize its impact on the reservoir's water quality, flora, and fauna,
demonstrating the harmonious coexistence of renewable energy
generation and environmental sustainability.
 Challenges and Future Prospects
Technological Advancements Regulatory Framework
Ongoing research and development As the adoption of FPV systems continues to
efforts are focused on improving the grow, there is a need for comprehensive
efficiency, durability, and cost- regulatory frameworks to ensure their safe
effectiveness of FPV systems. This and sustainable implementation. This
includes exploring new materials, includes guidelines for site selection,
optimizing system designs, and installation, operation, and
integrating advanced monitoring and decommissioning.
control technologies.

Integration with Other Global Collaboration

Technologies
The potential for integrating FPV International collaboration and knowledge
systems with other technologies, such sharing among researchers, policymakers,
as energy storage, aquaculture, and and industry stakeholders will be crucial in
desalination, presents exciting accelerating the adoption and optimization
opportunities for maximizing the of FPV systems worldwide.
benefits and creating synergistic
solutions.
Conclusion
Floating photovoltaic systems represent a promising solution
to the growing demand for renewable energy while addressing
the challenges of land constraints and environmental
sustainability. By harnessing the power of water bodies, these
innovative systems offer numerous advantages, including land
conservation, water conservation, and increased efficiency.

As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future, the

adoption of FPV technology is expected to continue its upward
trajectory. With ongoing technological advancements,
supportive regulatory frameworks, and global collaboration,
FPV systems have the potential to play a significant role in the
renewable energy landscape, contributing to the fight against
climate change and promoting a greener, more sustainable
future.