Floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) potential in Zambia: Case studies on six hydropower power plant reservoirs

Abstract

This study assesses the technical resource potential for floating solar photovoltaic systems on Zambia's existing hydro-based power plants. The research uses System Advisor Model (SAM) and has made some input changes to adapt the standard photovoltaic performance model to Floating Solar Photovoltaics. The input changes are the tilt angle and the losses. Tilt has been taken as 5o, while the soiling losses have been taken as zero (0). Zambia's theoretical maximum floating solar photovoltaic potential (100% coverage) was found to be 254.083 GWp. The floating solar photovoltaic potential in Zambia at 10% coverage is the best option. It was found to be 25.408 GWp, while the energy generated was 43,448.1212 GWh. Compared to the total installed electricity (3.011) GW, this power is 8 times more than the current installed capacity. Kariba dam shows the highest potential of 24.461 GWp, followed by Itezhi Tezhi (0.506 GWp), Kafue Gorge Upper (0.393 GWp), Mita Hills (0.0314) GWp, Mulungushi Dam (0.0131) GWp, and Kafue Gorge Lower (0.0043 GWp). The country has an average photovoltaics electricity daily output ranging from 4.54 to 4.85 kWh/kWp, which equates to 1658 to 1772 kWh/kWp totals. The findings of this study will increase public awareness of floating solar photovoltaic systems and It will allow the government and investors to consider investing in the technology. This shall ultimately increase power generation in Zambia, helping to alleviate the country's 0.81 GWp power deficit. The National Energy Policy facilitates the development and deployment of renewable and alternative energy sources like hydropower and solar photovoltaic power. Through this policy, an assessment of the resource potential for ground-mounted Solar photovoltaics has been conducted. The policy does not mention the new technology of floating solar photovoltaic systems, which benefits from an increased energy yield due to the cooling effect of water since it is located on the water's surface. Lower shading, decreased civil works, lower grid interconnection costs, reduced water evaporation, enhanced water quality, lowered algae blooming, and valuable land are released for other uses, such as agricultural land or residential developments, when existing water reservoirs are used. Some potential benefits come with the new technology, although it is still nascent.