Floating solar

Unlocking renewable energy synergies

Floating solar, also known as floating photovoltaics (FPV), involves installing solar panels on water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes and hydropower dams. By using existing water infrastructure, floating solar represents a rapidly growing solution that complements conventional land-based renewables, while supporting more integrated energy systems. It is renewable energy collaboration in action.

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Ariel view of floating solar panels on a lake

What is floating solar?

Floating solar systems consist of photovoltaic panels mounted on buoyant platforms, anchored to the bed or shoreline of a water body. Electricity is transmitted to shore via underwater cables, often connecting directly to existing grid infrastructure.

A key advantage is efficient land use. By generating power on water, floating solar avoids competition with agriculture, urban development and ecosystems.

Key benefits

Floating solar delivers a range of environmental and operational benefits:

Higher efficiency: The cooling effect of water can increase solar panel performance by up to 15% compared to land-based systems.

Water conservation: Panels reduce evaporation from reservoirs, helping preserve water resources, which is particularly important in drought-prone regions.

Reduced land use pressure: Deploying solar on water avoids land acquisition challenges and protects natural habitats.

Chance for improved water quality: Partial shading can limit algal growth in some situations.

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A natural partnership with hydropower

Floating solar is a uniquely suited integration with hydropower, creating hybrid renewable systems that maximise the value of existing infrastructure.

Hydropower reservoirs provide ideal sites for floating solar installations due to their large surface areas, grid connections and established energy management systems.

This co-location enables several important synergies:

Shared infrastructure: Solar arrays can connect to existing transmission lines, substations and access roads, reducing costs and accelerating deployment.

Complementary generation: Solar output peaks during the day, while hydropower can generate on demand, including at night or during cloudy periods—together improving reliability.

Optimised water use: By reducing evaporation, floating solar helps conserve reservoir water, supporting sustained hydropower generation.

Energy storage potential: Hydropower, particularly pumped storage, can store excess solar energy and release it when needed, enhancing grid flexibility.

These hybrid systems can also smooth power output and improve grid stability, addressing one of the key challenges of variable renewable energy.

Scaling up renewable collaboration

The global potential for floating solar on hydropower reservoirs is significant. Even modest coverage of reservoir surfaces could deliver substantial additional generation while conserving water and reducing emissions.

By combining two established renewable technologies, floating solar and hydropower demonstrate how integrated approaches can accelerate the clean energy transition. This collaboration enables more efficient use of natural resources, enhances system resilience and supports the shift towards low-carbon energy systems.