Analysis of floating photovoltaic systems and their future role in the green economy

Floating PV systems technologies have been analysed to identify the best solution. By analysing the costs of the structures and the respective LCOE. Identified the solution with the lowest value, we studied in detail project. The lower LCOE was for the OS-75 platform and is €35/MWh. The costs of connecting the energy to the land have been ignored. The project represents an investment opportunity for renewable energy companies. Taking into account the distance from the LCOE for floating PV and Ground Mounted, the LCOE of both solutions is close. On the OS-75 platform, the horizontal modules decrease the costs of the structure and the wind load. Efficient for low latitudes, a good alternative to ground installations that would not address the ground to traditional uses. The main problem concerns the anchoring and flotation system. the costs of the anchoring system were low when compared to the total cost for artificial basins of low depth. The low weight of the OS-75 structure minimizes the load and the number of floats. In OS systems aren't possible to use standard modules. Is a big limitation considering also the low power/surface ratio (186 Wp/m2). The problem could be tied to an insufficient level of maturity of the company. Concerns centre on water contamination due to the contact of the structure. Also concerns the duration of the plant, being in a difficult environment. The large-scale construction of floating PV plants started only in 2016, not possible to analyse in detail the 2 areas previously considered. A study by BayWa r.e. reported low levels of contamination of water in contact for 4 years. Remain long-term and decommissioning issues. Another issue is the horizontal positioning of the modules, which reduces the efficiency of OS platforms, especially at high latitudes. Among the solutions analysed, low LCOE was calculated for the Scotra and BayWa r.e. The difference with Ground Mounted Plants is not substantial, under the considered assumptions.