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VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Jnana Sangama, Belagavi – 590 018, Karnataka, India Table Of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Rise of Floating Photovoltaics
3. Advantages of Floating Photovoltaic Systems
A Technical Seminar Presentation
4. Floating Photovoltaic System Components
“ The Rise Of The Floating Solar Farm”
5. Site Selection
PRESENTED BY : UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF : 6. Economical Considerations
RAHUL NALWAD Dr. P. Shiva Keshava Kumar MTech., Ph.D. 7. Floating Photovoltaic Systems in india and Challanges
3PG20CV017 Prof. & HOD
Dept. of Civil Engineering 8. Environmental Impact
9. Effects on fish
10. Case Study: Tengeh Reservoir Solar Floating Farm, Singapore
PROUDADEVARAYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
11. Challenges and Future Prospects
HOSAPETE – 583 225
12. Conclusion

The Rise of Floating Photovoltaics

Floating Early Beginnings 1
The concept of floating solar
Photovoltaic panels dates back to the late
2000s when the first FPV
system was installed in Japan 2 Rapid Growth

Systems: in 2007. This pioneering project

paved the way for further
exploration and development of
Over the past decade, the installed
capacity of FPV systems has been
d o u b l i n g a n n u a l l y, d r i v e n b y t h e
Harnessing the
this technology. increasing de mand for renewable
energy sources and the need to
Global Expansion 3 address land constraints. This

Power of Water As the benefits of FPV systems remarkable growth trajectory highlights
become more widely the growing acceptance and adoption
recognized, countries around of FPV technology worldwide.
As the world grapples with the growing demand for the world are embracing this
energy and the urgent need to mitigate climate technology. From Singapore's
change, floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems have Tengeh Reservoir to India's
Ujjani reservoir, large-scale
emerged as a promising solution. These innovative FPV projects are being
systems, which involve installing solar panels on implemented, demonstrating
water bodies, offer a unique opportunity to generate the versatility and scalability of
renewable energy while minimizing land usage and this approach.
addressing environmental concerns.

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Floating Photovoltaic System

Advantages of Floating
Components
Photovoltaic Systems
Floating Platform The floating platform is the foundation of an FPV system, providing
1 Land Conservation 2 Water Conservation buoyancy and stability for the solar panels. Various designs are
One of the most significant FPV systems can help mitigate available, including buoyancy-based platforms, semi-submersible
advantages of FPV systems is water evaporation from platforms, tension leg platforms, and floating rafts. The choice of
their ability to conserve valuable reservoirs and other wate r platform depends on factors such as water conditions, wind loads, and
land resources. By utilizing water bodies by providing shade. project scale.
bodies, these systems eliminate This not only conserves water
the need for large tracts of land, resources but also improves Solar Panels Crystalline silicon panels are commonly used in FPV systems due to
making them particularly attractive w a t e r q u a l i t y, m a k i n g i t a their proven performan ce and durability. However, alt ernative
in densely populated areas or valuable so lution in wate r- technologies like cadmium telluride (CdTe), amorphous silicon (a-Si),
regions with limited available land. stressed regions. and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) are also viable options,
particularly for marine environments where corrosion resistance is
3 Increased Efficiency crucial.
The cooling effect provided by the water beneath the solar Electrical Cables, inverters, and safety devices are essential components of an
panels can enhance the efficiency and lifespan of the PV Components FPV system. Underwater cables transmit the generated electricity, while
system. This natural cooling mechanism helps to offset the
performance losses associated with high temperatures, inverters convert the direct current (DC) from the solar panels into
resulting in improved energy generation. alternating current (AC) for grid integration. Proper grounding, insulation,
and surge protection ensure electrical safety.

Site Selection for Floating Economical Considerations

Photovoltaic Systems
Cost-Effectiveness Operational Savings Potential for Growth
While FPV systems FPV systems offer long-
cu rre ntly h ave a h igher With the increasing demand
Water Conditions Ground Conditions Location and Weather term operational
in it ial cost compared t o for renewable energy and
Suitable water T h e g r o u n d The lo cation sho uld b e savings by eliminating the limited availability of land,
free from shadowing ground-mounted PV the need for fuel and
conditions are crucial conditions at the syste ms, their levelize d the market for FPV systems
for the successful installation site play a ca used by surro und in g minimizing maintenance
buildings or mountains, cost of energy (LCOE) is is expected to grow
implementation of an vital role in the costs. Additionally, the significantly. This presents
FPV system. Factors anchoring and have convenient becoming increasingly
transportation access, and water cooling effect can opportunities for investment
such as limited wave stability of the FPV competitive. With extend the lifespan of
activity, freshwater with system. Compact soil be in close proximity to advancements in and innovation in this
low hardness, and low suitable for anchoring ele ct ric al c o nn e ct ions . the solar panels, further emerging technology.
A d d i t i o n a l ly, a b u n d a n t technology and economies contributing to cost
salinity are preferred to and a consistent of scale, the costs
ensure the stability and terrain are desirable sunlight, low occurrence of savings over the
longevity of the floating characteristics for a rain or fog, and wind associated with floatin g system's lifetime.
platform. successful installation. speeds not exceeding 30 construction, anchoring,
m/s are favorable weather and mooring are expected
conditions for optimal to decrease.
energy generation.

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Floating Photovoltaic Systems in india

1. India is already adpoted the floating photovoltaic system in various location , However india’s Environmental Impact
largest floating solar farm of Omkareshwar Dam of Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh which as
By generating clean, renewable energy, FPV
Reduced Carbon Emissions systems help to reduce the reliance on fossil
capacity to produce 600MW, The project costing 3000 crores (approx 400 million USD) which
fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,
has started to generate power for FY24.This covers approximately 2000ht or 20 sq.km of contributing to the fight against climate change.

water area the in Khandwa district. So it costs approx 150 crore for 1 sq.km of area producing Water Conservation The shading provided by the solar panels can
significantly reduce water evaporation from
30MW/sq.km . As compared to conventional solar farms used in lands cost approxmately Rs reservoirs and other water bodies, conserving
valuable water resources.
8.6 crores for generating power of 150MW.
Land Preservation FPV systems eliminate the need for large
Challanges Faced In India tracts of land, helping to preserve agricultural
land and natural habitats, which is particularly
important in densely populated areas.
1. Construction, operation, and maintenance challenges
Minimal Ecological When properly designed and installed, FPV
2. Limited applicability Disturbance systems have minimal impact on aquatic
ecosystems, allowing for the coexistence of
3. Specific environmental conditions renewable energy generation and
environmental conservation.

Effects on fish Case Study: Tengeh Reservoir

1. Positive effects
Shading from the solar panels can create cooler water temperatures, which can be
Solar Floating Farm, Singapore
beneficial for some fish species that prefer cooler habitats, such as trout and salmon. The Tengeh Reservoir in Singapore is home to one of the world's
largest floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, showcasing the potential
and success of this technology. With a capacity of 60 MWp and
covering an area equivalent to 45 football fields, the Tengeh
2.Negative effects Reservoir Floating Solar PV system is a remarkable feat of
1. Reduced light penetration engineering and renewable energy integration.

2. Fish habitat can be impacted by the installation and maintenance of the solar This pioneering project not only contributes to Singapore's renewable
energy goals but also offsets a significant portion of the Public
panels. Utilities Board's annual energy needs. The system has been
3. Floating solar panels can disrupt fish migration patterns. meticulously designed to minimize its impact on the reservoir's water
quality, flora, and fauna, demonstrating the harmonious coexistence
4. Noise from construction and maintenance activities can stress fish. of renewable energy generation and environmental sustainability.

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Challenges and Future Prospects

Technological Advancements Regulatory Framework
Ongoing research and development As the adoption of FPV systems
efforts are focused on improving the continues to grow, there is a need for
e ff ic i e nc y, du r a b i li t y, an d c o st - comprehensive regulatory frameworks to
effectiveness of FPV systems. This ensure their safe and sustainable
includes exploring new materials, implementation. This includes guidelines
op timi z ing system desi gns, a nd for site selection, installation, operation,
integrating advanced monitoring and and decommissioning.
control technologies.

Integration with Other Global Collaboration

Technologies
The potential for integrating FPV International collaboration and knowledge
systems with other technologies, sharing among researchers,
such as energy storage, aquaculture, policymakers, and industry stakeholders
and desalination, presents exciting will be crucial in accelerating the adoption
opportunities for maximizing the and optimization of FPV systems
benefits and creating synergistic worldwide.
solutions.

Conclusion
Floating photovoltaic systems represent a promising
solution to the growing demand for renewable energy while
addr essin g the challe nge s of la nd c onstr aint s and
environmental sustainability. By harnessing the power of
water bodies, these innovative systems offer numerous
advantages, including land conservation, water
conservation, and increased efficiency.

As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future,

the adoption of FPV technology is expected to continue its
u p w a r d t r a j e c t o r y. W i t h o n g o i n g t e c h n o l o g i c a l
advancements, supportive regulatory frameworks, and
global collaboration, FPV systems have the potential to
play a significant role in the renewable energy landscape,
contributing to the fight against climate change and
promoting a greener, more sustainable future.