‘Floatovoltaic’ solar panels on lakes could unlock lots of clean energy

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A new study has found that the deployment of floatovoltaics, floating solar panels, in just 10 percent of lakes and reservoirs worldwide could generate four times the power used by the United Kingdom in a year. Particularly beneficial for low-latitude, tropical countries with low energy demand, these systems could potentially supply all electricity needs for countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Papua New Guinea. Utilizing floatovoltaics could offer developing countries a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel infrastructure, providing autonomy and tapping into the abundant power of the sun.

The effectiveness of floatovoltaics varies by location, with countries closer to the equator or at high elevations having the most potential due to high levels of solar radiation. Still, challenges remain in understanding the environmental and social impacts of these systems, including potential leaching of harmful chemicals or microplastics into the water, and effects on aquatic ecosystems due to reduced light penetration. Researchers are exploring the balance between power generation and ecological costs to determine the viability of floatovoltaics in various regions.