Floating Photovoltaic Solar in Australia-A Feasibility Study

Abstract

The global adoption of solar power is accelerating, with Australia leading in per capita solar power generation. However, ground photovoltaic (GPV) systems face limitations due to low surface power density and land use constraints. Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems provide a viable alternative by utilizing waterbodies, such as hydropower reservoirs, to increase efficiency through evaporative cooling and address land-use constraints. This paper investigates the technical and economic feasibility of integrating FPV with hydropower plants (HPPs) in Australia, specifically focusing on Burrendong Dam in New South Wales. Through the analysis of global FPV efficiency studies and theoretical energy modeling, using Trina Solar's 210 Vertex modules, the study demonstrates that FPV systems outperform GPV systems by approximately 2.54% in average efficiency and achieve a 5.51 ◦C lower panel temperature. Although FPV systems entail 20% higher initial costs, their efficiency and land-use benefits support their viability. This research fills a critical gap in localized FPV studies, offering an in-depth evaluation of environmental, financial, and technical aspects and providing essential insights for FPV development in Australia's renewable energy sector.