Considerations for Assessing the Technical Potential of Floating Solar
Photovoltaics: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Floating photovoltaic solar energy (FPV) are solar photovoltaic systems
that float on bodies of water. They are a rapidly expanding renewable
energy source emerging as an alternative to land-intensive
ground-mounted solar arrays. The applications of this technology are
commonly explored through technical potential assessments; a vital step
in the development of renewable energy resources that allow for the
identification of feasible installation sites and provide an estimation
of costs, power generation, and capacity (Lee and Roberts 2018). These
assessments are carried out to aid planners, policymakers, and other
decision-makers in predicting and achieving goals related to the
development of renewable energy; however, some considerations may be
overlooked. Assessing the technical potential of solar energy without a
standardized methodological framework for site selection may lead to an
inconsistent range of generation outcomes, adding to the confusion and
lack of confidence that has been a significant barrier to the growth of
renewable energy in recent years (Seetharaman 2019) This study
systematically reviewed criteria in the published literature emphasizing
assessment of FPV technical potential and related siting studies,
especially those using geographic technologies. The systematic review
was performed in alignment with the Preferred Reporting Items for
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Preliminary
findings of this systematic review suggest that FPV site selection
criteria can be categorized into economic, social, environmental, and
technical considerations. We aim to elucidate which criteria within each
classification are important to include in an FPV siting study based on
the current literature. Results from this analysis will inform the
standardization of a site-selection framework used in future technical
potential studies, which may, in turn, improve the accuracy of
generation estimates and offer a meaningful and realistic idea of how
FPV installations could transform the direction of renewable energy
science and development.