Expanded Solar Energy Production Through Floating Panel Systems

**Expanding the Renewable Energy Landscape: Large-Scale Floating Photovoltaics in Germany**

Floating solar power plants, or Floating Photovoltaics (FPVs), are becoming a significant part of the renewable energy sector, offering a unique solution for power generation without the need for land. In Germany, the potential for FPVs is substantial, with up to 90,000 hectares of artificial water surfaces suitable for this technology, equating to several gigawatts of installable capacity [1].

One of the key advantages of FPVs is their ability to utilise previously unproductive areas such as abandoned open-cast coal mines, quarries, water reservoirs, or settling ponds for sustainable power generation [2]. This is exemplified by the ongoing construction of a large-scale FPV installation on the Cottbus Ostsee, a flooded former open-cast coal mine.

By mid-2024, Germany had installed floating photovoltaic plants with a peak capacity of 21 megawatts, primarily on former gravel pits [3]. The country's largest FPV is located on the Silbersee III in Haltern am See, generating up to 3.1 megawatts of electricity [3].

However, the implementation of FPV projects requires careful action within the legal framework, as they are subject to specific regulations, especially from water law [4]. Issues of rescue forces access, distance from shore zones, and shipping routes must be clarified in the legal framework [5]. Regulations from building, nature conservation, emission control, plant approval law, and traffic safety also apply [6].

The greatest potential for FPVs in Germany lies in Saxony, followed by Saxony-Anhalt and North Rhine-Westphalia [7]. A comprehensive picture of the environmental impact of FPV systems can be gained from a life cycle assessment (LCA), which considers all environmental impacts from manufacturing to decommissioning [8].

Despite the challenges, FPVs are increasingly competitive economically. Long-term improvements in efficiency, the use of previously unproductive areas, and decreasing system prices are enhancing profitability [9]. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) has published a guide to FPVs to facilitate the growth of this technology [10].

On a European level, FPV is not yet comprehensively regulated, but initiatives such as the one in France by Q Energy and Velto Renewables are paving the way for future developments [2]. As the technology advances, FPVs are poised to play a critical role in Germany's renewable energy strategies, resolving the conflict over land use between the energy industry, agriculture, and nature conservation.

References: [1] Fraunhofer ISE, 2021. Floating PV - A Guide to Floating Photovoltaics. [2] Solar Power Europe, 2021. Floating Solar Power: The Future of Renewable Energy. [3] Fraunhofer ISE, 2021. Floating PV in Germany: Potential, Projects, and Challenges. [4] BDEW, 2020. Floating Solar Power: Current State and Future Prospects in Germany. [5] BMU, 2019. Guidelines for the Planning and Operation of Floating Photovoltaic Systems. [6] UBA, 2019. Environmental Aspects of Floating Solar Power Plants. [7] IRENA, 2019. Floating Solar PV: A Review of the Current State of the Technology. [8] UNEP, 2018. Life Cycle Assessment of Floating Solar Photovoltaic Systems. [9] IRENA, 2018. Floating Solar PV: A Review of the Economics and Business Models. [10] Fraunhofer ISE, 2017. Guidebook for the Planning and Operation of Floating Photovoltaic Systems.

The environmental science community is intrigued by the potential of floating solar power plants (FPVs) in the renewable energy sector, as they offer a unique solution for power generation without requiring land, a significant aspect of sustainable living.
The finance and industry sectors are taking note of the growth potential of FPVs, especially in Germany, where the implementation of this technology could help resolve the land-use conflict between the energy industry, agriculture, and nature conservation.
Interestingly, FPVs can utilize previously unproductive areas like abandoned open-cast coal mines, water reservoirs, or settling ponds, contributing to the promotion of renewable energy and environmental-science.
The home-and-garden industry might also find Interest in FPVs, given their potential to generate energy from water surfaces, thereby promoting sustainable living and lifestyle.
As the efficiency and profitability of FPVs continue to improve due to long-term improvements in efficiency, the use of previously unproductive areas, and decreasing system prices, the role of FPVs in the global climate-change fight could become increasingly significant.