Degradation study and operational and environmental assessment of floating photovoltaic plants installed on reservoirs in urban areas

• Grant number: 23/00597-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Regular Grants
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Roberto Zilles
• Grantee: Roberto Zilles
• Host Institution: Instituto de Energia e Ambiente (IEE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alex Renan Arrifano Manito ; André Ricardo Mocelin ; Julio Romel Martinez Bolanos ; Marcelo Pinho Almeida ; Maria Cristina Fedrizzi ; Teddy Arturo Flores Meléndez
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/17658-0 - Degradation study and operational and environmental assessment of floating photovoltaic plants installed on reservoirs in urban areas, BP.PD

Abstract

Floating photovoltaic plants may bring a series of potential benefits, especially in a country with a predominantly hydro-based electrical generation mix, such as Brazil. However, since the operating environment of floating plants is different from that found in land-based plants, the use of floating plants still faces knowledge gaps regarding how temperature, humidity and soiling affect the generator productivity; and the evolution of degradation of photovoltaic modules in an environment with greater mechanical stress and excessively humid environment. In addition, floating plants can impact the environment at the installation site, affecting, for example, water quality, fauna and algae formation. This project aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge about the technology of floating photovoltaic generators operating in tropical regions such as Brazil, particularly in the area of characterization, performance evaluation and impacts on evaporation and water quality. The results will contribute to the decision-making by investors, installers and other stakeholders, specifically in aspects related to the generation calculation, quality control and risk reduction, and the bankability of the project, contributing to the energy transition acceleration in the state of São Paulo and in the country (AU)