At NP Solar, we specialise in the design, installation, and maintenance of floating solar PV systems across the UK. As this technology becomes increasingly popular for maximising energy generation on reservoirs, lakes, and other water bodies, many people have questions about how it works, its benefits, and what to expect. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common queries to help you understand more about floating solar solutions.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Floating solar PV systems (also called “floatovoltaics”) are solar panels mounted on pontoons or floating structures that sit on the surface of bodies of water (reservoirs, lakes, lagoons etc.). The key differences from ground- or roof-based systems are that they use water bodies rather than land, benefit from natural cooling (which can improve efficiency), reduce the need for scarce land, and often involve mooring or anchoring systems to allow for water level changes.
Floating solar PV systems offer several benefits: they make use of existing water surfaces so you save land; they tend to have lower ambient temperatures (water cooling) which can reduce panel overheating and improve energy output; they reduce water evaporation from reservoirs; they often require less ground preparation (less earthworks) compared to land‐based systems; and maintenance can be easier in some respects due to easier cleaning (natural water wash etc.).
Suitable sites typically include calm, inland water bodies such as reservoirs, quarry lagoons, disused docks, irrigation ponds, industrial lagoons and lakes. The waterbody should have relatively stable levels, minimal wave action, and sufficient access for installation and maintenance. Very exposed or tidal coastal areas are generally less suitable unless specially engineered.
Floating solar PV systems need robust anchoring and mooring to cope with wind, changing water levels, and occasional wave action. The floats need to be durable, UV-resistant, and compatible with the water’s chemistry. Structural designs must accommodate loads (panels, wind, snow, etc.) and allow access for maintenance. Also electrical routing (cabling) and safety (anti-corrosion, insulation, protection from water ingress) are key design points.
Generally, floating solar PV systems can be more efficient than land-based equivalents. The cooling effect of water helps keep the panels operating at optimal temperature, reducing thermal loss. Reflections off water can increase light exposure. Depending on site and design, gains of several percentage points in output are realistic. But performance depends heavily on water clarity, shading, panel orientation, and maintenance.
Maintenance includes regular inspection of float units (checking for leaks, wear, UV damage), checking anchoring/ mooring hardware, cleaning panels (though water bodies can help reduce dust accumulation), monitoring electrical systems and inverters, and ensuring safety and environmental compliance. Access platforms or walkways on the floats help with safe access. Monitoring is important to detect any deterioration or damage early.
If properly designed and installed, floating solar PV systems can have minimal negative impact. They can reduce algae growth by limiting sunlight penetration, help maintain water temperature stability, and reduce evaporation which may benefit ecosystems. Materials must be chosen to avoid leaching, and sites should be assessed for ecological sensitivity. NP Solar can carry out environmental assessments to ensure compliance and minimal ecological impact.
High-quality components (solar panels, float structures, anchoring systems) used in floating solar PV systems are designed to last decades. Panels often have warranties of 25 years or more, floats and pontoons may have long lifespans if made of robust, UV-treated plastics or HDPE, or concrete where applicable. With proper maintenance, the lifespan of the entire floating solar installation can be comparable to ground-based systems, often 20-30 years or more for main components, with periodic replacement of peripheral parts.
The upfront costs include design, permitting, site preparation (anchoring, electrical connections), floats/pontoons, solar panels, inverters, and civil or structural work as needed. Floating systems often have higher initial installation costs than simple ground-mounted arrays because of water, float structure, anchoring and safety considerations. Ongoing costs include maintenance, cleaning, monitoring, occasional repairs. However many of the operational costs are balanced by higher output and lower land costs.
Installing floating solar PV systems usually requires land/crown water rights, permissions from relevant water authorities, environmental impact assessments, planning permissions, health & safety compliance, grid connection agreements, and any permissions related to protected sites or species. NP Solar can help clients with the regulatory and planning process, ensuring floating solar installations comply with all local, regional and national rules.