Floating solar panels have quickly developed into a widely-accepted clean energy alternative with extensive potential environmental advantages. An analysis by Evan M. Bredeweg—former postdoctoral scholar at Oregon State University—paints a grim picture of the difficulties involved with deploying these systems in other locales. The study highlights the challenges that complicate this process. Published in the academic journal Limnologica, the study assesses the ecological impacts of floating solar panels on reservoirs in six states: Oregon, Ohio, Washington, Idaho, Tennessee, and Arkansas.
The study analyzed two month stretches in summer and winter. This effort aimed to better understand how different environmental conditions affect the operational efficiency of floating solar installations and their ecological impacts. Bredeweg emphasized that “there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for designing these systems. It’s ecology—it’s messy.” This declaration highlights the importance of context-specific approaches in deploying floating solar technologies.
Water cooling increases the efficiency of solar panels dramatically. Estimates suggest that this approach can increase performance by 5 to 15%. In the summer months, these cooler water temperatures can be a boon to cold-water species. This effect is compounded if we have over 50% solar panel coverage. Yet, this advantage depends heavily on the unique characteristics of each reservoir.
Bredeweg noted the need to understand the ecological implications of having floating solar panels. Historical precedent suggests that large-scale alterations to freshwater environments such as hydroelectric dams frequently result in unforeseen consequences. These impacts can last well beyond the time of the changes themselves. He stressed the need to assess environmental risks before deploying floating photovoltaics. This knowledge is key for informing regulatory agencies and permitting sustainable energy development in harmony with the environment.
Floating solar technology has really taken off in Asia. The market here in the US is still very limited, mostly consisting of small pilot projects. New Jersey’s Canoe Brook Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FPV) project is the largest in the country. It’s a huge installation that produces a phenomenal 8.9 megawatts (MW) of clean energy on a city water storage reservoir.
Bredeweg’s academic work points to the potential for U.S. reservoirs to accommodate large floating solar systems. These technologies combined have the potential to produce more than 1,476 terawatt-hours annually. This massive capacity serves as a reminder of the enormous potential that exists for renewable energy generation across the United States.
Bredeweg stressed that every reservoir is unique. This variation is largely based on depth, circulation dynamics, and what the main managed fish species of interest are. This variability necessitates study and thoughtful design as floating solar technology advances.