Energy performance evaluation for a floating photovoltaic system located on the reservoir of a hydro power plant under the mediterranean climate conditions during a sunny day and a cloudy-one

Abstract

• The world’s biggest Floating Photovoltaic unit of its kind is considered. • Floating membrane is used as the floating technology. • Values of final yield, performance ratio, and system efficiency are estimated. • Performance data during a clear day and a cloudy one are compared. Deployment of photovoltaic systems on water bodies unlocks enormous areas in populated regions. Also, their utilization will create the possibility to increase the share of photovoltaics systems related to the energy transition. There is little information regarding the available data for floating photovoltaic systems (FPVS). The positive effect of water on cooling the photovoltaic modules should be considered, also. This study is performed by utilizing experimental data from a field test located in a region having Mediterranean Climate Conditions. It is a newly installed FPVS with an installed capacity of 0.5 MW p DC. The unit is the world’s biggest of its configuration referred to the installed capacity and its diameter. Results include the energy yield, final yield, performance ratio, capacity factor, and system efficiency. They refer to a daily period during sunny and cloudy days and offer a clear view regarding the system operation. For the considered sunny and cloudy days, it is noticed that the daily final yields are 7.289 kWh/(kW p ·day) and 3.572 kWh/(kW p ·day), respectively. The daily performance ratio is 86.9% (sunny day) and 89.8% (cloudy day). Also, the daily system efficiency in the selected days are 17.4% and 17.9%, respectively.