The effect of height, tilt angle, and temperatures on floating PV performance
A research team studied factors influencing floating PV efficiency and energy production and determined the optimal tilt and height to achieve lower cell temperatures compared with land-based PV.
Fred. Olsen 1848 deploys floating PV pilot in Norway
Fred. Olsen has completed a 124 kW pilot project to serve as a testing ground to refine its Brizo floating solar solution. The tech is designed to address challenges posed by wave and wind loads.
UAE startup unveils floating structure for offshore PV
Dubai-based Floating Man is currently negotiating contracts for the deployment of a novel floating structure for offshore solar. A 900 m2 system built with the floaters could support up to 200 solar panels.
Sao Paulo inaugurates 7 MW floating solar plant
The government of Sao Paulo, Brazil, says that a new 7 MW floating solar project on a reservoir in the megalopolis is the first phase of a 75 MW facility that will be completed in 2025.
China’s floating PV potential estimated at 862.6 GW
Researchers from China looked at 875 reservoirs in the country and found that the potential annual power output for floating PV technology could reach up to 1,423.8 TWh.
Mibet launches floating PV array system for offshore applications
Mibet, a Chinese mounting system supplier, says its new G5 product is capable of withstanding wind gusts of more than 60 meters per second. It uses high density polyethylene floats and aluminum alloy support legs.
Floating solar positively affects aquatic environments, says BayWa re
German renewable energy developer BayWa re has collected scientific data on aquatic fauna, water quality, and avifauna from several environmental impact monitoring studies on eight of its operational floating PV facilities in Europe. It has found the artificial habitats under the panels offer protection to some animal species and improvements to water quality.
Batteries in hybrid hydro-PV systems could increase profitability by 2%
Researchers from Norway have discovered that adding batteries to projects that combine hydropower and floating PV could increase annual profits by as much as 2%, due to revenues from ancillary services and capacity markets.
SolarPower Europe publishes guidelines for floating PV
SolarPower Europe has published guidelines for floating solar to offer an overview of the European market and the global landscape, with practical advice for project developers.
Germany’s solar funding in firing line after €60 billion budget shortfall
The leaders of Germany’s three major political factions have agreed to cut an unspecified amount of solar spending, among other initiatives, to plug a €60 billion ($64 billion) budget shortfall triggered by a German federal court ruling in November. However, the Federal Association of Solar Economy (BSW-Solar) has criticized the announcement and said that concerns remain about other major solar projects that are potentially at risk.
