Floating photovoltaic plants consist of photovoltaic panels installed on floats that are connected to each other by wiring to make the whole unit solid. These floats allow the panels to float on a volume of water, thus taking advantage of the space of resources such as reservoirs or lakes for the generation of energy.

Installing these floating photovoltaic panels is a relatively easy process, as they do not require heavy machinery, the construction of a foundation or a complex support structure, or even a complex mechanical system for solar tracking. In this way, they generate lesser impacts on the ground, while the location in the water allows some advantages, such as the natural cooling of the panels, thus allowing greater efficiency.

Pros

  • Use of the space of water ponds and less occupation of the land

  • Easy to install and dismantle. No need for foundations

  • Better efficiency than those installed on-land, about 5 to 15% more efficient

  • Saves water by reducing evapotranspiration

  • Increased ease of solar tracking

Cons

  • Maintenance more complicated than plants located on-land

  • Difficulty of installation at sea

Examples of installations made