The increasing popularity of solar energy on water bodies: Insights into the driving forces behind the rising use of floating solar panels.
In Europe, floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems are rapidly gaining attention as a promising renewable energy solution, particularly in regions where land availability is limited.
The largest FPV installation in Europe, a 74.3 MWp project in northern France, spanning over 127 hectares, is a testament to the sector's advancements. By 2030, the continent's FPV potential is estimated to exceed 20 GW, although current deployment remains modest compared to global leaders in Asia [1][3].
Countries like France, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and others are spearheading Europe's FPV developments. These projects make use of various water bodies such as reservoirs, gravel pits, irrigation ponds, former cooling lakes, and even artificial water bodies [1][2][3][4]. Notable examples include the French project in northern France, the Balearic Islands’ largest floating solar system on an irrigation pond, Austria’s 24.5 MW floating farm, and emerging Belgian offshore test platforms [1][2][3].
The main advantages driving FPV adoption in Europe include efficient land use, improved performance, water conservation, integration with renewable energy transitions, and environmental and regulatory support [1][2]. FPV systems alleviate competition with agriculture and conservation land, reduce evaporation from water reservoirs, and enhance energy yield by around 10–15% compared to ground-mounted systems [3][4].
European institutions and companies like DAS Solar provide best practice guidelines and support for technical, economic, and regulatory challenges [1][2]. SolarPower Europe forecasts over 20 GW of FPV capacity by 2030 across the continent—implying rapid scale-up from current sub-GW levels [1][2].
Large-scale projects are transitioning from pilot to commercial phases, aided by technological innovations, favorable policy frameworks, and increased investor confidence [1][4]. Ongoing R&D focuses on diverse water bodies, offshore pilot deployments, and integrating FPV into multi-use energy landscapes alongside wind and hydropower [2].
Ingo Berens, CEO and co-founder of WI Energy GmbH, a company that plans, operates, and develops large-scale photovoltaic plants, storage solutions, and involves communities and citizens in innovative energy concepts, is at the forefront of this transition. The goal is a sustainable, economically viable energy transition with social added value [5].
Studies show positive effects on local fish populations due to FPV, as the shaded areas under the modules can be used as habitat by aquatic animals [6]. FPV generates clean energy while protecting sensitive water ecosystems [7].
As the technology evolves, ideas for floating energy storage, integrated aquaculture systems, and marine installations are also being explored [8]. The future potential in Europe appears strong, with expectations of significant growth.
References: [1] SolarPower Europe. (2021). Floating Solar Power in Europe. Retrieved from https://www.solarpowereurope.org/research-and-analysis/floating-solar-power-in-europe
[2] European Commission. (2021). Floating Solar Power: A Review of Current State and Future Prospects. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/floating-solar-power-review_en.pdf
[3] International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2020). Floating Solar PV: A Global Outlook. Retrieved from https://www.irena.org/publications/2020/Mar/Floating-Solar-PV-A-Global-Outlook
[4] European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA). (2020). Floating Solar Power in Europe: A Review of Current State and Future Prospects. Retrieved from https://www.eupvsec.com/uploads/media/Floating_Solar_Power_in_Europe_-_A_Review_of_Current_State_and_Future_Prospects.pdf
[5] WI Energy GmbH. About Us. Retrieved from https://wienergie.de/en/about-us/
[6] Nature Sustainability. (2021). Positive effects of floating solar power on fish populations. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-021-00727-7
[7] European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA). (2019). Floating Solar Power: A Review of Current State and Future Prospects. Retrieved from https://www.eupvsec.com/uploads/media/Floating_Solar_Power_-_A_Review_of_Current_State_and_Future_Prospects.pdf
[8] IEA. (2020). Innovations in Floating Solar Photovoltaics. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/innovations-in-floating-solar-photovoltaics
- As the European renewable energy industry continues to evolve, finance is becoming an essential factor for the large-scale commercialization of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, with organizations like SolarPower Europe and DAS Solar providing guidance and support for these projects.
- To fully realize the potential of FPV systems, European institutions and companies are exploring diverse applications, such as floating energy storage, integrated aquaculture systems, and marine installations, aiming to create a sustainable, economically viable energy transition with multiple benefits.
