Relevance: GS3 – Energy & Environment | Source: The Hindu Business Line, MNRE
Context
India targets 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030; solar already crosses 82 GW, but land scarcity is slowing expansion. Floating solar emerges as a high-potential alternative, especially on reservoirs and dam backwaters.
What are Solar and Floating Solar Plants?
- Solar PV plants convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic modules.
- Floating Solar Plants (FSPs) mount these PV panels on buoyant platforms placed on calm water bodies (reservoirs, lakes, industrial ponds).
- They integrate with existing hydropower infrastructure, lowering transmission and land costs.
Advantages Over Land-Based Solar
Floating Solar | Land-Based Solar |
| No land acquisition; uses water surfaces | Requires large contiguous land |
| Higher efficiency due to water-cooling | Lower efficiency in high-heat zones |
| Reduces evaporation losses | No impact on water retention |
| Minimal dust deposition | Dust and heat reduce output |
| Can pair with hydropower for hybrid generation | Stand-alone |
Challenges & Way Ahead
Challenges | Way Ahead |
| Higher initial costs, limited domestic manufacturing | Promote PLI for floating PV, indigenous pontoons |
| Risks: biofouling, storms, anchoring issues | Stronger design & safety standards (BIS norms) |
| Ecological concerns on lake ecosystems | Site-specific EIA and biodiversity checks |
| Regulatory gaps & slow approvals | Unified floating solar guidelines by MNRE |
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Floating Solar Plants:
- They typically show higher panel efficiency than land-based solar plants.
- They help reduce water evaporation in reservoirs.
- They cannot be co-located with hydropower projects.
Which of the above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
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