Solar panels in lakes, Where not to put solar panels?, Can a solar panel work underwater?

Solar panels in lakes, also known as floating solar panels or floating photovoltaic systems (FPV), are solar panels installed on water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, or ponds rather than on land or rooftops. 

What Are Floating Solar Panels?

Floating Solar Panels are photovoltaic panels mounted on platforms that float on water. These platforms are anchored to the bottom or shore to remain stable. Floating solar panels are a smart innovation for generating renewable energy while saving land and conserving water. However, they must be designed carefully to avoid negative environmental impacts and manage higher costs.

Floating Solar Panels save land space. They are ideal for countries with limited land for solar farms (e.g., Japan, Singapore). Water naturally cools the panels, which increases their efficiency compared to land-based systems.

Floating Solar Panels reduce water evaporation. The panels shade the water, helping to reduce evaporation. They are valuable for drought-prone areas. They limit algae growth. Less sunlight reaching the water can reduce harmful algal blooms. They utilize otherwise idle water surfaces, like in irrigation reservoirs or hydropower dams.

Floating solar panels

Features of Solar Panels in Lakes

• Floating Platform: Floating solar panels are mounted on buoyant structures (plastic or metal pontoons) that float on the water surface.
• Anchoring and Mooring System: Floating solar panels maintain the floating array’s stability and prevent drifting due to wind or water currents.
• Waterproof and Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Components are designed to resist moisture, UV radiation, and corrosion from constant water exposure.
• Cooling Effect: Water underneath helps keep the panels cool, improving performance and reducing the risk of overheating.
• Modular Design: Systems can be expanded by adding more floating units, and it is easy to scale.
• Integration with Energy Grids or Storage: Floating solar panels can be connected to the main power grid or battery storage systems, similar to land-based solar farms.
• Environmental Sensors (optional): Some systems include sensors to monitor water temperature, panel angle, wind speed, or sunlight levels.
• Minimal Land Use: No need for large land areas; perfect for use in reservoirs, ponds, lakes, or hydropower dams.

Advantages of Solar Panels in Lakes

• Saves Land Space: Floating solar panels don’t compete with agriculture, housing, or industry for land.
• Higher Efficiency: Cooler water temperatures help improve panel performance and lifespan.
• Reduces Water Evaporation: Floating solar panels provide shade, which lowers water loss from evaporation, important in hot climates.
• Limit Algae Growth:  Blocking sunlight reduces harmful algal blooms, improving water quality.
• Easy Integration with Hydropower: Floating solar panels can be combined with hydropower dams for shared infrastructure and energy storage.
• Reduces Dust Buildup: Less dust settles on panels compared to land installations, requiring less frequent cleaning.

Disadvantages of Solar Panels in Lakes

• Higher Installation Costs: Floating solar panels require floating structures, anchoring systems, water-resistant cables, and waterproof electrical components.
• Maintenance Challenges: Repairs and inspections are harder to perform on water. Access for cleaning and repairs is more difficult compared to land-based systems.
• Environmental Impact: Floating solar panels may affect aquatic life by altering water temperature, light levels, and oxygen flow. Potential to affect water oxygen levels, temperature, and aquatic life if poorly designed.
• Weather Vulnerability: Floating solar panels are more exposed to damage from storms, waves, and strong winds. Strong winds, waves, or ice can damage floating systems more easily than land-based ones.
• Limited Site Suitability: Not all lakes are suitable; deep, rough, or ecologically sensitive lakes may not be ideal.

Examples of Use

• China: World’s largest floating solar farm (Huainan, on a former coal mining site).
• India: FPV projects on reservoirs to support energy and water conservation.
• Egypt: Considering floating solar for water conservation and energy goals.

Where not to put solar panels?

There are places where solar panels should not be installed, due to safety, performance, legal, or environmental concerns:

Places to Avoid Installing Solar Panels

1. Shaded Areas: Under trees, tall buildings, or other objects that block sunlight. Shading greatly reduces the energy output of solar panels.
2. Unstable or Weak Roofs:  On old, damaged, or structurally weak roofs that can’t support the panel weight or mounting systems.
3. Protected Natural Areas: In national parks, wildlife reserves, or ecologically sensitive zones, where installation may harm plants or animals.
4. High-Wind or Storm-Prone Zones (without proper design): On open land or water bodies that frequently face strong winds, hurricanes, or typhoons, unless panels are specially reinforced.
5. Historic Buildings: In heritage or historical sites where exterior modifications may be restricted by law or preservation regulations.
6. Steep Slopes or Inaccessible Terrain: Makes installation, cleaning, and maintenance dangerous or expensive.
7. Water Bodies with High Biodiversity: Lakes, wetlands, or ponds that are critical habitats for fish, birds, or endangered species.
8. Polluted or Acidic Water Bodies (for floating solar): Corrosive environments can damage floating solar equipment and shorten its lifespan.
9. Agricultural Land in Use: Avoid areas where food production would be compromised, unless using agrivoltaics (dual-use farming and solar).
10. Areas with Frequent Snow Cover: Regions with long winters and heavy snow can reduce efficiency unless panels are tilted and cleaned regularly.

Can a Solar Panel Work Underwater?

No, standard solar panels do not work effectively underwater.

Why Standard Solar Panels Don’t Work Underwater

1. Light Loss in Water: Water absorbs and scatters sunlight. The deeper the panel, the less light it receives, especially UV and infrared wavelengths, which are essential for electricity generation.
2. Reduced Efficiency: Even if some light reaches the panel, it’s not enough to generate meaningful power. Water blocks much of the solar spectrum needed for photovoltaic cells to operate efficiently.
3. Electrical Safety Risk: Solar panels generate electricity. Submerging them increases the risk of short circuits, corrosion, and electric shock without specialized waterproofing.
4. Material Degradation: Prolonged water exposure can damage standard panel materials (glass, frames, wiring), even if the panel is rated as “water-resistant” (like IP65).

Exceptions: Special Underwater Solar Panels

Researchers and engineers are developing specialized solar cells that can generate power in underwater conditions, especially for Submarine sensors, Underwater drones, and Deep-sea research equipment.

These are not typical rooftop or floating solar panels. They use different materials and are tuned to work with blue/green wavelengths that penetrate water better.

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