Floating solar , also referred to as a floating solar array or floating solar farm, refers to an array of photovoltaic panels on a structure that floats on a body of water, typically a reservoir or lake.
Solar cell efficiency refers to the portion of energy in the form of sunlight that can be converted via photovoltaics (PV) into electricity. The efficiency of the solar cells used in a photovoltaic system, in combination with latitude and climate, determines the annual energy output of the system. China, India, the United Kingdom, and Japan, have a significant impact on the performance of solar panels in China.
In addition to water volume retention, floating solar plants provide additional water quality benefits, drinking water infrastructure management. By shading water, floating solar farms also inhibit the growth of water weeds (which require sunlight for photosynthesis). The growth of bacteria, such as giardia and cryptosporidium , is also restricted by water temperature reduction.
The establishment of solar farms are urban water supply infrastructure is Generally Advantageous Given there are no costs usually associated with land-based solar farms (land purchase, clearing, maintenance, and insurance contre flooding). Such water bodies are usually serviced with high voltage electrical power, and thus new ‘poles and wire’ grid infrastructure is not required.
History
Japanese, American and Danish nationals are the first to register patents for floating solar (the latter an Australian permanent resident securing a provisional Australian patent followed by an international patent, which has since expired).
French company Sky & Earth has met with greatest success marketing the invention. [1] By 2017 they had a portfolio of over 75 installations in 16 countries. [2] In 2016 it was reported that a 13.7-megawatt system was being built in Chiba , near Tokyo. [1]
Currently the Queensland (Australia) state government is considering a Market Led Proposal (MLP) of a 40MW floating solar farm with 200MWh (Vanadium Redox) battery. Finkel Review of the National Energy Market and the Queensland Expert Panel on Renewable Energy. [ quote needed ]
References
- ^ Jump up to:a b Boyd, John. “Japan Building World’s Largest Floating Solar Power Plant” . IEEE Spectrum . IEEE . Retrieved 4 August 2017 .
- Jump up^ “Benefits” . Heaven & Earth International . Retrieved 4 August 2017 .
