Floating solar is currently used for small bodies of water. This has allowed the production of energy for both large and small projects. However, floating solar is now being made available for high-wave, offshore water bodies to create more sustainable energy.
NP Solar install floating solar panels to any body of water you require. Our blog explores what makes floating solar so unique and why moving to high-wave, offshore water bodies is a necessary step to take.
Using Floating Solar In The Ocean
There are several smaller floating solar panels that have been setup offshore but creating a large-scale floating solar farm in the ocean is still a prospect for the future. Currently, floating solar is used in smaller bodies of water, close to or surrounded by land.
Installing floating solar in the ocean and further away from land is expected to be more expensive. Despite this, the increased production of renewable energy will make it a successful option, demonstrating the need to utilise larger bodies of water to supply even more renewable energy. Not only is there more space available but it will also reduce the need to use smaller bodies of water onshore.
Why Use High-Wave Water Bodies?
As this is a more expensive option, it may seem excessive to be using high-wave water bodies. Compared to onshore projects, offshore power yields around 15 percent higher, making it a fantastic option to utilise across all offshore water bodies. Additionally, many communities still have no access to electricity or very little access.
For land that does not have bodies of water suitable for solar farms, this places even more importance on benefitting from floating solar’s adaptability. Solar panels are not suitable for the roof of every home. Furthermore, many people can simply not afford to have solar panels installed. With the installation of floating solar offshore, this gives us enough space to place as many floating solar panels as possible. Utilising the high yield to generate more power, even more people can benefit from floating solar technology.
Are Smaller Water Bodies Enough?
Solar farms on small water bodies are still a fantastic addition. With great flexibility on where floating solar can be placed, its potential should always be achieved. As the onus on sustainable technology grows, it is important to take advantage of all water bodies that are suitable.
Small water bodies will still produce enough energy to power many homes, however, using high-wave water bodies in the ocean will have an even bigger impact. Not only does it create electricity for more homes, there is much more space available to operate it effectively. If there is enough space onshore, floating solar projects should always be considered.
Making The Change Possible
In July 2019, plans were announced to build a solar farm in the North Sea. This is just the start of a growing trend that will help all countries create more renewable energy. There is much more positivity towards using high-wave offshore solar technology. It is only a matter of time before floating solar farms are used effectively in many oceans and seas. Offshore solar farms are possible and can be designed specifically for this use to make sure it is successful.
For now, floating solar farms will still mainly be based onshore, surrounded by areas of land. Delivering the technology needed for many homes and commercial properties, offshore solar farms is the next step to creating a better environment with renewable energy.
Contact Us
NP Solar install solar farms throughout the UK to any bodies of water. For more information regarding what floating solar is and why it is so important, get in touch with our team. You will receive a fast response and any advice needed regarding floating solar. Call us on 01524 740 790 or fill in our contact form today.