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Environmental Technology Research Highlights Floating Solar Photovoltaic System's Potential

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Floating solar photovoltaic systems, installed on human-made waterbodies, may offer a solution to mitigating the effects of eutrophication and climate-driven warming on aquatic ecosystems. However, the effects of these systems on algae and water quality remain poorly understood. A recent study published in Frontiers in Water assessed the algal biomass and water quality beneath floating solar photovoltaic systems and in open water at four host ponds across the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study assessed algal biomass and water quality beneath floating solar photovoltaic systems and in open water at four host ponds across the United States, spanning a range of floating solar photovoltaic coverage levels, trophic states, climates, and bathymetry.
  • Results showed minimal overall differences in phycocyanin, chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and temperature between floating solar photovoltaic-covered and open-water areas, though some site-specific trends emerged.
  • At one mesotrophic site with 4.8% floating solar photovoltaic coverage, chlorophyll-a and phycocyanin were significantly lower beneath floating solar photovoltaic systems in multiple seasons, with up to 80% reductions in chlorophyll-a observed in spring.
  • The study concluded that dissolved oxygen and temperature exhibited limited site-specific variations but no consistent trends across floating solar photovoltaic systems.
  • Within-pond differences in algal biomass and water quality between floating solar photovoltaic-covered and open-water areas were largely minimal, underscoring the need for further research with more floating solar photovoltaic sites, before-after control-impact designs, and high-frequency monitoring to better understand floating solar photovoltaic-algae interactions and potential water quality benefits.

Statistics:

  • 4 host ponds were assessed across the United States, spanning a range of floating solar photovoltaic coverage levels (4.8% to 71%).
  • 80% reductions in chlorophyll-a were observed in spring at one mesotrophic site with 4.8% floating solar photovoltaic coverage.
  • Limited site-specific variations (dissolved oxygen and temperature) were observed across floating solar photovoltaic systems.
  • No consistent trends across floating solar photovoltaic systems were observed for dissolved oxygen and temperature.

Sources:

  • Site-specific relationships between algal biomass and floating photovoltaic solar energy in human-made bodies of water. Frontiers in Water, 2025,7.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3389/frwa.2025.1614008.

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