ENERGY
Floating solar arrays light the way for clean energy
Panels on water boost efficiency while cutting land and water costs
Solar farms are no longer limited to dry ground. Across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., floating solar panels—also called “floatovoltaics”—are turning lakes, reservoirs, and quarries into energy producers. Developers are betting on technology that increases output, saves space, and reduces evaporation.
Energy firms and city utilities are testing floating platforms that promise efficiency and flexibility:
Efficiency: Water cools solar modules, improving power generation by 10–15%. Some tracking systems report boosts of up to 30%.
Durability: Arrays use HDPE floats and mooring cables that resist corrosion and handle wind and waves.
Hybrid value: Linking FPV to hydro dams balances the grid and stabilizes local power.
In India, the Omkareshwar project activated nearly 278 MW, one of the largest floating solar parks worldwide. Heavy storms damaged some sections, showing the challenge of scaling offshore solar.
In China, the Sungrow Huainan farm generates enough power for 15,000 homes. The system sits on a former coal mine turned lake, proving new uses for idle sites.
And in Europe, developers are building hybrid FPV-hydro facilities that tie into existing dams. These projects reduce land demand while keeping installation costs competitive.
That’s not all: engineers are also layering in AI to track sun paths, forecast output, and detect maintenance needs. New anchoring models adapt to rising water levels and seasonal storms. Firms are racing to prove these systems can work offshore, where wind and wave loads are higher.
With the global market projected to grow from $50.8 million in 2024 to $292.6 million by 2032, FPV is becoming a mainstream part of solar strategy.