수상 태양광에 대해 알아야 할 8가지 사항

olar power has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the global push for renewable energy. While ground-mounted solar panels are the most common way to harness the power of the sun, floating solar is gaining traction as a viable alternative. This power generation system utilizes large bodies of water to set up floating solar units, capturing solar energy without the need for land.

What is Floating Solar and How Does it Work?

Floating solar, also known as floating photovoltaics (FPV), consists of solar panels mounted on floating structures. These systems are commonly deployed on reservoirs, lakes, and other large man-made water bodies. The key advantage of FPV is that it leverages unused space on the water’s surface, avoiding the need to consume valuable land resources.

The solar panels are securely attached to buoyant structures to maintain their position on the water’s surface and receive ample sunlight throughout the year. The generated solar electricity is channeled to a central inverter, then transmitted to onshore electrical equipment via underwater cables. The power from the inverter is sent to a transformer for step-down before being fed into the transmission system for delivery to the end user.

The deployment of FPVs in water bodies offers a win-win scenario. By preventing excessive heat from entering the water, the panels cool themselves, enhancing energy productivity.

Components of a Floating Solar System

PV Modules: These are the actual solar panels that capture and transmit solar energy, which is then converted into usable power.
Floaters: These are interconnected plastic rafts that support the solar panels.
Mooring System – Anchors: Anchors provide support from the water’s floor to the floating solar panels. Common types include vertical load, drag embedded, and suction anchors.
Mooring System – Mooring Lines: Mooring lines connect the floaters on the solar panels to the anchor below. The strength of the mooring line depends on the weight of the solar panels it needs to support.
Combine Box: The output of all the solar panels in the array is collected in the combine box and fed to the central inverter.
Central Inverter: This is a key component of the FPV system, converting DC power to AC for transmission.
Transformer: The transformer reduces the power for easier transmission.
Cabling: Cabling connects the solar panels, combine box, central inverter, and transformer.
Transmission System: This is the inland connection line that transports power to its destination.
Floating Walkways: These provide access to the solar panels for maintenance.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Floating Solar

Advantages:

Expensive to Install: Installing floating solar systems is more expensive than traditional PV systems due to specialized equipment and knowledge requirements.
Limited Applicability: This technology is not suitable for everyone. Many floating solar installations are large-scale, supplying power to large communities, businesses, or utility companies. For residential solar needs, rooftop or ground-mounted systems are more appropriate.
Disruption to Aquatic Life: The installation can limit sunlight penetration into the water’s surface, impacting aquatic wildlife. As the physical structure may pose a risk to animals, it is recommended to install panels on man-made lakes and reservoirs with limited wildlife.

Disadvantages:

Expensive to Install: Installing floating solar systems is more expensive than traditional PV systems due to specialized equipment and knowledge requirements.
Limited Applicability: This technology is not suitable for everyone. Many floating solar installations are large-scale, supplying power to large communities, businesses, or utility companies. For residential solar needs, rooftop or ground-mounted systems are more appropriate.
Disruption to Aquatic Life: The installation can limit sunlight penetration into the water’s surface, impacting aquatic wildlife. As the physical structure may pose a risk to animals, it is recommended to install panels on man-made lakes and reservoirs with limited wildlife.

Maintenance of a Floating Solar Panel

Due to the cooling effect of water, floating solar panels require minimal maintenance. Rainfall also contributes to the cleaning process. The following measures are taken to clean and maintain the panels:

Manual Cleaning: For manual cleaning, professional workers and appropriate materials are essential. Care should be taken when choosing materials as certain cleaning chemicals can impair the performance of floating solar panels.
Sprinklers: Sprinklers can simulate rainfall, providing a cost-effective cleaning solution for arid climates.
Forced Airflow: Forced airflow from an air conditioner can also be used for cleaning.
Robotic: Robotic maintenance techniques assist in cleaning and repairing floating solar panels. While the initial cost is high, it is a cost-effective option that reduces water waste.

The Cost of Building a Floating Solar Power Plant

The cost of constructing a floating solar power plant varies depending on the project’s size and location. Larger projects are generally more expensive to build than smaller ones. Land costs also factor into the overall cost. Floating solar power plants are typically constructed in sunny areas near large bodies of water, like reservoirs. Building a floating solar power plant in a location with high winds and waves will be more expensive than in a calm location.
In addition to construction costs, the cost of maintaining a floating solar power plant needs to be considered. This includes repairs, replacement parts, and routine maintenance. Taking all these costs into account, the cost of constructing a floating solar power plant can be substantial. The good news is that there are numerous advantages (including cost advantages) over the lifetime of the floating solar plant.

Challenges of Setting Up a Floating Solar Power Plant

Compared to traditional ground-mounted and rooftop solar, developing floating solar plants presents unique challenges due to hydrodynamic loads on the structure, corrosion risk, and additional components that need to be designed, installed, and maintained, such as floats, anchors, and mooring lines. These challenges are heavily influenced by the location, size, type of water body, structure, and environmental conditions. Conducting site-specific design and assessment can help mitigate risks for floating solar projects, both new and existing.
Establishing a floating solar plant requires careful planning and preparation. However, once operational, an FPV can provide clean, efficient energy for the next 25 years.

Are Floating Solar Panels More Efficient Than Land Solar Power Plants?

There is debate about whether floating solar panels are more efficient than land solar power plants. Some argue that the water cools the solar panels, increasing their efficiency. Others argue that the water reduces the efficiency of the panels by reflecting sunlight away from them.

The truth is that both arguments are valid. However, studies have shown that floating solar panels are about 10% more efficient than land solar power plants. This is primarily due to the cooling effect of water, allowing the panels to operate more efficiently. The primary motivation for deploying an FPV system is to avoid land use and reduce water evaporation.

The Future of Floating Solar Farms

As the price of renewable energy continues to decrease, barriers to entry will lower. While current floating solar technology necessitates a higher upfront installation cost, when compared to its long-term benefits of preventing energy losses up to 15% (at least during the solar panels’ 25-year lifespan), floating solar is actually more cost-effective and arguably has advantages over ground-based solar.

Solar power is becoming a more affordable, accessible, and efficient energy source, and we must find creative ways to adapt its production to meet the diverse needs of people and the planet. Floating solar is unlikely to replace large-scale utility generation or the growing trend of terrestrial solar farms in the near future. However, it could play a crucial supplementary role, adding capacity where it currently lacks.

Conclusion

Floating solar is gaining popularity as a viable option for renewable energy generation. It is a great option for people who want to utilize solar power but lack sufficient land for traditional solar panels. For more information about floating solar systems or to explore how they might work for you, contact us today. We are a leading manufacturer of floating solar systems. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs and explore how our solutions can benefit your project.