Prospects of water-based solar photovoltaic power generation

Can photovoltaic power generation be placed on water?

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is expected to play an important role in the clean energy transition ahead. Due to its low power density, PV requires much space, which could be a limiting factor for its future expansion. Placing PV on water has therefore become an interesting alternative siting solution.

Is a water photovoltaic project economically feasible?

Ferrer-Gisbert et al. (2013) introduced the water photovoltaic project in Agost, Spain, and analyzed its economic feasibility. Teixeira (2015) studied the feasibility of a floating PV system installed on water storage reservoir for a hydropower station in south Brazil.

What is the literature on water photovoltaic?

Through a visual analysis literature on water photovoltaic in the past 10 years, as seen as Figure 2, it can be seen that the literature mainly involves water photovoltaic capacity and efficiency, floating photovoltaic and the influence of water and wind on water photovoltaic temperature.

What is photovoltaic power generation?

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation has been recognized as one of the main ways for future renewable electricity generation. PV has grown rapidly during the past decade, for example, the cumulative capacity of the PV in the United States increased from 218 MW in 2005 to around 51 000 MW in 2017 .

What are the advantages of Floating photovoltaic systems on water?

Floating photovoltaic systems on water have many advantages. The PV modules are placed on the water surface, because the water body has a good cooling effect on the modules, which can reduce the temperature of the module surface and increase the power generation of the modules.

What are the four types of water photovoltaic?

Based on its form and function, it can be divided into the following four designs: fixed pile-based photovoltaic, floating photovoltaic, floating photovoltaic tracking system and water level variation PV. Therefore, this review makes a comprehensive description of the four forms of water photovoltaic.