Degradation analysis and the impacts on feasibility study of floating solar photovoltaic systems

The constant pursuit for emerging renewable power sources has led to the development of floating solar photovoltaics (FSPV). FSPVs operate on water bodies and hence its performance is different from the land-based counterparts. Degradation and aging of PV modules severely affects the reliability and the life of PV power plants. Owners and other beneficiaries are concerned about the actual degradation of PV modules as it affects the financial outcome of the power plant. The performance analysis and the degradation of FSPV power plants over its lifetime is not well reported. This paper presents technoeconomic feasibility and reliability study of FSPV power plant for long term power generation. To determine the performance of the FSPV module, an experiment was conducted and data was collected for 17 months. Results showed that the average performance ratio and the degradation rate was 71.58% and 1.18% respectively for the FSPV module and 64.05% and 1.07% respectively for land-based PV system. Feasibility study and performance analysis of a 5 MW FSPV power plant showed that with degradation of 1.18%/year, the power plant will generate 8604.5 MWh of electricity annually. Degradation also effects the financial parameters, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is calculated as 0.041 $/kWh which is 2.5% higher than the LCOE calculated with standard degradation. The FSPV plant will also save 105000 kL of water per year by reducing evaporation and the total lifetime CO2 savings will be 183,493.24 tones. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the technoeconomic feasibility and reliability of a floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) power plant for long term power generation. The performance analysis of the FSPV module showed an average performance ratio of 71.58% and a degradation rate of 1.18%, while a feasibility study of a 5 MW FSPV power plant indicated an annual electricity generation of 8604.5 MWh with a degradation rate of 1.18% per year. The plant will also save 105000 kL of water per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 183,493.24 tones over its lifetime.