A new study has found that floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) panels could meet the entire electricity needs of some countries. Researchers from Bangor and Lancaster Universities and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology calculated the daily electrical output for FPV systems on nearly 68,000 lakes and reservoirs worldwide, using local climate data to evaluate the technology’s global potential.
Global Potential Across 68,000 Lakes and Reservoirs
The study evaluated the global potential for low-carbon floating solar arrays by focusing on the most feasible locations. The researchers’ calculations targeted lakes and reservoirs that were within 10km of a population center, not in protected areas, did not dry up, and did not freeze for more than six months each year. The output estimates were based on FPV systems covering just 10% of a water body’s surface area, up to a maximum of 30 km².
Image: Collected
Floating solar panels offer significant advantages over land-based installations, as they conserve land and can be more efficient. They have the potential to generate around 1,302 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually—roughly four times the UK’s total yearly demand. These systems can also help mitigate environmental issues like water loss from evaporation and algal blooms by shielding the lake surface from sunlight and wind.
However, the researchers emphasize the need for more study to fully assess the environmental impact of FPV, advising that any deployment decisions should account for the intended functions of water bodies and potential ecological impacts.
Africa Shows Highest Potential
Dr. Iestyn Woolway of Bangor University noted that while the exact effects of floating panels on lake ecosystems are still uncertain, their energy generation potential is clear. This uncertainty underscores the need for more research to ensure the technology can be adopted safely.
The team chose to model coverage of 10% of a lake’s surface area as a likely safe deployment level, though they note this may need adjustment in certain situations.
The study’s country-by-country analysis revealed that five nations, including Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, could meet their entire electricity needs with FPV. Other countries, like Bolivia and Tonga, could meet 87% and 92% of their electricity demand, respectively.
Numerous countries—especially in Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and Central Asia—could meet 40% to 70% of their annual electricity needs with FPV. In Europe, Finland could meet 17% of its electricity demand.
For the UK, the researchers found the capacity to generate 2.7 TWh of electricity per year from FPV. Although this represents just under 1% of the overall electricity demand, it could power approximately one million homes, based on Ofgem’s estimate of 2,700 kWh for average annual household usage.
Currently, there are only a few FPV installations in the UK, the largest being a 6.3 MW floating solar farm on the Queen Elizabeth II reservoir near London.
Benefits for Sun-Rich, Lower-Income Nations
Dr. Woolway noted that even with conservative criteria for a realistic deployment scenario, the benefits are clear across various regions—particularly in lower-income countries with ample sunlight. The criteria were designed to reduce deployment costs and risks and included clear exclusions, such as lakes within protected areas.
Co-author Professor Alona Armstrong from Lancaster University emphasized that while their study demonstrates considerable global potential for FPV, deployment must be strategic. She stressed that any rollout must consider implications for energy security, the environment, and social well-being, alongside broader efforts to achieve Net Zero.
Ultimately, the research suggests that floating solar panels could satisfy the electricity demands of many nations, particularly in Africa. While the potential for energy generation and other environmental benefits is promising, successful deployment will hinge on strategic planning and continued research.