A techno-economic analysis of floating photovoltaic systems, for southern European countries

Abstract

In the last few decades, the vast majority of world states have faced increased energy consumption using more environmentally friendly production technologies. The use of traditional renewable energies like hydro, wind and solar has been the solution found. Despite this, new technical solutions and strategies are beginning to emerge, of which Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) systems are part. In this framework, southern European countries have excellent climate conditions for reinforcing the use of solar energy. This research assess the existing Portuguese potential for floating PV systems and its integration in the power grid. A floating solar power plant of 1MW in Gouvães dam included in the Tâmega hydroelectric complex, under construction in northern Portugal was sizing and evaluated its energy potential. A techno-economic feasibility study was also carried out taking into account the current investment costs and energy tariffs in the Iberian liberalized market. This integrated analysis allowed to obtain important results on the current state of the art, types of technologies available, their costs and the payback period for this type of projects.