Cooling Effect Boosts Output: The Floating Photovoltaic Market Benefits from Water Evaporative Cooling

Discover how the floating photovoltaic market leverages the natural cooling effect of water to lower panel temperatures, increasing energy yield compared to land-based installations in hot climates.

Solar panels lose efficiency as they heat up. The floating photovoltaic market takes advantage of the water below to keep panels cooler. Water evaporates from the reservoir surface, cooling the air immediately above it; this cooler air in turn cools the panels from below, reducing operating temperature. For a floating PV plant in a hot climate, the temperature reduction can be significant (several degrees Celsius), leading to a substantial increase in annual energy production compared to a ground-mounted system in the same location. The gain is most pronounced on hot, sunny days when panels would otherwise be at their hottest. Some studies have measured a several percent increase in yield for floating PV over land PV. In addition, the water's reflective surface (albedo) can provide some backside illumination, though this effect is minor.

The design of floating PV systems must account for this cooling benefit. The floating photovoltaic market offers panels with higher allowable operating temperatures (since they are expected to run cooler) and with enhanced resistance to humidity and salt spray (if on brackish water). The distance between the panel and the water surface affects cooling: too far, and the cooling effect diminishes; too close, and waves may wet the panels (which is not harmful but may reduce output temporarily). Inverters, which also benefit from cooling, can be mounted on the floating structure or onshore. For a hybrid floating PV and hydropower plant, the cooling water from the reservoir is also used for the hydropower turbines; the presence of floating panels may reduce evaporation, preserving water for hydro generation.

Pairing the floating photovoltaic market with the floating solar pv market highlights the same technology under different names. The floating solar pv market is synonymous with floating photovoltaic; both refer to PV modules on water. For a utility, the higher yield of floating PV due to cooling can justify the higher capital cost of floating structures compared to ground-mounted racks. For a project on a wastewater treatment pond, the water temperature may be elevated, reducing the cooling benefit; but the shading benefit (algae control) still applies. For a project on a drinking water reservoir, the cooling benefit is maximized. As climate change drives higher average temperatures, the floating photovoltaic market will become more attractive in tropical and subtropical regions.

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