Floating Solar Show Promise but Raise Ecological Concerns

Floating solar panels are becoming an important clean energy option which may help the environment as well. However, the new study says their effects are not the same everywhere, rather it depends on where the systems are deployed.

Researchers from Oregon State University and the U.S. Geological Survey studied how these solar panels affect reservoirs in 6 U.S. states. They found that floating panels can cool the surface of the water and change water temperatures at different layers within the reservoirs. However, the study also found that these changes can increased variability in habitat suitability for aquatic species. In some places, the new conditions may help certain species but, in some places, it can make the habitat less suitable.

The former postdoctoral scholar at Oregon State, Evan Bredeweg says that “Different reservoirs are going to respond differently based on factors like depth, circulation dynamics and the fish species that are important for management”. He added “There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for designing these systems. It’s ecology - it’s messy.”

The floating solar panel is already growing in Asia, but in United States, it is still limited and mostly limited to small pilot projects. However, a recent U.S. government study says the country has huge potential. As per the report, if U.S. reservoirs were used for floating solar systems, they generate enough electricity to power approximately 100 million homes.

Floating solar panels also comes with several benefits. Since the panel sits on water, they stay cooler and make them work 5-15% more efficiently. The systems can also work together with existing dams and transmission infrastructure. In addition, they may also reduce water loss from evaporation, which is useful in warmer and dry climates. But these benefits also come with some concerns about how floating solar can affect aquatic ecosystems, which researchers still don’t have full understanding because research is yet to be done.

Bredeweg said, “Understanding the environmental risks and the variability in ecological responses to floating photovoltaic deployment is crucial for informing regulatory agencies and guiding sustainable energy development”.

The study used computer models to understand how floating solar panels affect entire reservoirs. Researchers examined the reservoirs in 6 U.S. states and studied the condition of water for 2 months each in summer and in winter. They found that floating solar panels could change water temperature and oxygen levels too, which affects where different types of fish can live. For example, in summer the panels make the water cooler only on the surface which helps fishes which like cold water. The effect is stronger when the panels cover more than 50% of the reservoir.

The scientists said that more study is needed to be done. They highlighted that solar panels could support clean water, but it is important to be ensure that they don’t harm species or aquatic animals. Bredeweg said, “History has shown that large-scale modifications to freshwater ecosystems, such as hydroelectric dams, can have unforeseen and lasting consequences”. The study was written by several researchers