Dealing with uncertainties: floating solar farm in natural lakes

Abstract

Floating solar farm has been demonstrated as technically and commercially viable in man-made lakes, ponds and in coal-mining subsidence areas. Studies on its environmental impacts are limited and some are still being conducted globally. The use of natural lakes for this kind of renewable energy generation is being explored for the first time in the Philippines, particularly in Laguna de Bay. It is considered as a potential development project, but there were concerns on the environmental and social impacts on a multiple-use lake. As an initial step to deal with uncertainties, the Laguna Lake Development Authority allowed the operation of floating solar farms on a pilot scale for one year subject to certain requirements including the monitoring of essential water quality parameters in the pilot sites to determine the impacts. The data together with the inputs from the operators of the pilot projects were used in the assessment of the environmental, technical and commercial viability of floating solar farm and was used by the Laguna Lake Development Authority in formulating a policy on this emerging use of the lake and in crafting the implementing rules and regulations.

Study on the Use of Floating Photovoltaics on Kourna Lake, Western Crete, Greece

“…They also mentioned that underneath the FPV, a 37% reduction of the irradiance on the water and an average 23% reduction in near-surface wind speed at module height were observed. The use of FPV in natural lakes focusing on the natural lake, Laguna de Bay, Philippines has been studied [15]. The author stated that there are various uncertainties regarding the environmental impacts of installing FPV in natural lakes.…”

Risk Assessment and Policy Recommendations for a Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) System

“…Currently, there are no policies or regulations in the country that govern the technical, environmental, and social aspects of the implementation of the FSPV system, which has not yet been covered specifically by the Philippines' Renewable Energy Act of 2008 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), mainly because of its emergence in the last decade. In 2016, the Lake Laguna Development Authority (LLDA) cautioned on the use of the floating solar PV system owing to the "lack of experience and sufficient policy tools" for the use of the lake with the emerging floating solar technology [14].…”

Techno-economic Analysis of 100 kWp Floating Solar Photovoltaic for Renewable Energy Mix in Bali – Indonesia

“…The island's commitment to sustainability has propelled it to explore innovative approaches to harness clean energy, setting the stage for the integration of renewable technologies [1], [2]. Expanding the lens beyond Bali, the potential for floating solar Photovoltaic (PV) installations emerges as a global prospect [3], [4], [5]. Water bodies, be they reservoirs, lakes, or ponds, present vast untapped potential for solar energy generation.…”