Suche
Mein Konto
Floating solar systems: New guidelines for the energy transition!
The new Fraunhofer ISE guide on floating photovoltaics shows potential for decarbonization and sustainable energy production.
Floating solar systems: New guidelines for the energy transition!
The topic of solar energy generation has become increasingly important in recent years, and now the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) is taking a pioneering role. By publishing a comprehensive guide to floating photovoltaics (floating PV), the institute wants to support the market launch of this promising technology. How euwid-wasser.de reports, there are numerous artificial bodies of water in Germany, such as gravel and quarry lakes, which are ideal for floating PV systems.
The advantages are obvious: solar power generation from water areas could make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of industry. The reuse of disused, flooded opencast mining lakes in particular offers great potential on an ecological level. It is estimated that with an area coverage of 15%, an installable output of between 13.7 and 19.1 gigawatts can be achieved.
Technical components and legal framework
The current guide not only provides an overview of the technology, but also covers technical components such as substructures, PV modules and inverters. Novel approaches to optimizing energy production and minimizing ecological impacts are presented. The guide is therefore aimed at a broad target group: municipalities, companies, municipal utilities, energy suppliers and the interested public are invited to take a closer look at it. Fraunhofer ISE emphasizes that current legal framework conditions and the economic viability of floating PV projects are also discussed.
A look at global developments shows that the total installed capacity of floating PV systems has increased from 10 megawatts in 2014 to over 7.7 gigawatts in 2023. This technology is becoming increasingly popular around the world, particularly on artificial bodies of water such as dredged lakes and reservoirs. These trends make it clear that floating PV systems offer an exciting perspective for future energy supply.
Challenges and opportunities
Ultimately, the highlight of floating PV technology is that it enables efficient use of water areas and at the same time reduces the amount of space required on land. This is particularly advantageous in densely populated regions where space is becoming increasingly scarce. The combination of technological know-how and a commitment to sustainable development could significantly transform the industry in the coming years. The support of research institutes such as Fraunhofer ISE is essential in order not only to discover the potential of this technology, but also to actively implement it.
For anyone interested from business, municipalities and various sectors, the guide offers a valuable introduction to the world of floating PV systems. It will be exciting to see how this innovative technology develops in Germany's waters and what ecological and economic impulses it can provide.