Global Floating Solar Photovoltaic Trends and Environmental Insights

Floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) technology is rapidly gaining attention worldwide as a promising renewable energy solution. The technology involves installing solar panels on water bodies such as reservoirs, artificial lakes, and abandoned mining pits. This post explores the latest trends, notable projects, and environmental implications of FPV systems around the globe.

Characteristics and Installation Trends

Globally, most FPV installations consist of small-scale systems under 1MW by unit count. However, from a capacity perspective, large-scale projects of 50MW or more dominate, especially in industrial water bodies like abandoned quarries and mines where environmental restrictions are less stringent. These sites typically allow quicker project development and help revitalize local economies by repurposing underutilized water surfaces.

Notable Case Studies: France, Netherlands, and China

France – O’MEGA 1 Power Plant 

Located in Piolenc in southeastern France, the O’MEGA 1 project demonstrates an environmentally integrated approach to FPV development. Operating on a rehabilitated quarry lake, the 22MW installation was accompanied from the start by thorough environmental impact assessments and ecosystem conservation measures. The water surface area covered by solar panels was limited to 45% to protect aquatic life and water quality. Monitoring over several years has shown significant ecological recovery, including increases in bird and bat species, and no observed water contamination from the solar equipment. The project also engages local communities via education and sustainable agricultural initiatives near the site.

Netherlands – Bomhofsplas FPV Plant

The Bomhofsplas facility in Zwolle uses an artificial lake created through sand mining. The 27.4MW installation covers about 25% of the water surface and supplies electricity to approximately 7,800 households annually. To mitigate ecological impact, artificial habitats called Biohuts were installed beneath the panels, serving as shelter for fish and other aquatic species. Three years of monitoring confirmed that diverse aquatic life successfully colonized the habitat, illustrating that FPV systems can coexist with and even support aquatic ecosystems when thoughtfully designed.

China – Floating Solar at Abandoned Coal Mines

In Anhui Province, China, large-scale FPV development has transformed flooded abandoned coal mines into productive renewable energy sites, with approximately 70MW capacity installed. These locations avoid ecological conflicts typical of natural water bodies since they are not protected natural lakes. The proximity to existing coal power infrastructure reduces grid connection costs. Furthermore, the projects leverage local labor and equipment, boosting regional economies without environmental controversy.

Environmental Impacts and Technical Insights

FPV systems benefit from the cooling effect of water surfaces, which lowers solar module temperatures, thereby increasing efficiency. However, they face challenges such as fouling from algae, biofilms, and bird droppings, which can reduce power output and increase maintenance needs. Design adaptations like steeper panel tilt angles help minimize such contamination .

From an ecological standpoint, shading by solar panels can reduce photosynthesis in aquatic plants and disrupt the behavior of some plankton species, potentially affecting food chains if the water surface coverage is too high. Studies suggest maintaining panel coverage below approximately 20% preserves ecological productivity, with thoughtful layout designs that leave sunlight gaps for underwater life.

Positive effects include reduced water evaporation, which conserves water resources, and suppression of harmful algal blooms due to shading. For example, FPV installations in Singapore and Chile have demonstrated improved water quality and lower algae levels.

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Floating solar technology presents a compelling solution to expanding renewable energy capacity while mitigating environmental impacts when planned responsibly. Lessons from Europe, China, and beyond show that repurposing artificial water bodies with FPV can foster ecological restoration, enhance regional economies, and address water conservation challenges. Continued monitoring and design innovation remain critical to maximizing benefits and ensuring sustained coexistence with aquatic ecosystems.

Thanks.

References:

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2. Wei, Y., Khojasteh, D., Windt, C., & Huang, L. (2025). An interdisciplinary literature review of floating solar power plants. *Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews*.

3. Pouran, H. M. (2018). From collapsed coal mines to floating solar farms: Why China’s new power stations matter. *Energy Policy*.

4. Rodríguez-Gallegos, C., et al. (2024). Global floating PV status and potential. *Progress in Energy*.

5. World Bank Group, ESMAP, & SERIS. (2019). *Where Sun Meets Water: Floating Solar Handbook for Practitioners*.

6. Benjamins, S., Williamson, B., Billing, S. L., Yuan, Z., Collu, M., Fox, C., et al. (2024). Potential environmental impacts of floating solar photovoltaic systems. *Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews*.

7. SolarPower Europe. (2023). Floating PV Best Practice Guidelines.