Future clean energy with the use of floating solar panels
A record-breaking level of global solar power generation in 2022 shows the possibilities of hope in our climate-changing world.
Recently, in the UK, the government plans to increase solar capacity by 2035 due to the booming sales in small-scale PV installations from the energy crisis and plummeting costs of PV panels. These PV panels are essentially solar energy, converting artificial light into electricity alternative to harmful greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon and other pollutants emitted into the atmosphere by other sources of energy. These panels can go up from the current 14GW to 70GW, which is enough to power every home in England twice.
Industry body Solar Energy UL (SEUK) estimates that by 2050, net-zero targets would mean turning over only 0.4% of all land in the UK into solar farms, which is not enough. Therefore, the plan for floating solar panels has commenced. "It's ambitious but achievable," says Trinzic's director of renewables, Aram Wood. "We're seeing signs that the freshwater and marine market will expand rapidly from the current installed base."
Floating solar panels offer multiple advantages. As the panels are situated on water, they remain cool, which increases their efficiency. Additionally, the absence of dust and dirt particles contributes to their durability and cleanliness over an extended period. The 38-metre wide Proteus array on the Oostvoornse Meer Lake in the Netherlands is even more beneficial since it allows developers to track the sun's path throughout the day, thanks to its mobility.
These floating solar panels are built in several regions worldwide and are set to be planted in as many places as possible to provide clean energy for all.
References
