A Clever Combination on Water
The concept, known as floating photovoltaics or ‘floatovoltaics’, involves mounting solar panels on buoyant structures that float on the surface of water bodies like reservoirs, lakes, and dams. Instead of occupying vast tracts of agricultural or ecologically
sensitive land, these solar farms use the unutilised surface of man-made water bodies. The system consists of three main parts: a floating platform to hold the panels, a mooring system to keep the array in place, and the same inverters and cables used in ground-based systems to transport the electricity to the grid. This approach is rapidly gaining traction in India, where government-owned companies like NTPC are pioneering large-scale projects.
Solving the Land Puzzle
One of the biggest hurdles for solar power expansion in a densely populated country like India is land acquisition. Conventional ground-mounted solar farms are land-intensive, often creating conflict over land that could otherwise be used for farming or housing. Floating solar projects neatly sidestep this issue by being 'land-neutral'. India has thousands of square kilometres of surface area across its numerous reservoirs. A recent government assessment found that the country's reservoirs could host over 100 GW of floating solar capacity. By tapping into this potential, states can generate clean power without sacrificing valuable land resources, turning dormant water surfaces into productive assets. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka are among the states with the highest potential.
More Than Just Clean Energy
The benefits of floating solar go beyond just saving space. The water beneath the panels provides a natural cooling effect, which can increase the efficiency and electricity production of the solar cells by up to 10-15% compared to panels on hot, dry land. Furthermore, the shade provided by the floating arrays helps to significantly reduce water evaporation. In a water-stressed country like India, this is a major advantage, helping to conserve millions of litres of water in reservoirs used for drinking, irrigation, and hydropower. Some studies also show that the shade can limit the growth of harmful algal blooms, improving overall water quality.
From Theory to Reality in India
This technology is no longer just a concept; it's being actively deployed across India. The country's largest operational floating solar plant is NTPC's 100 MW project at Ramagundam in Telangana, spread over 500 acres of its reservoir. Another significant project is the 92 MW plant at Kayamkulam in Kerala. An even larger 600 MW plant is under development on the Omkareshwar Dam in Madhya Pradesh, set to become one of the world's biggest. These projects demonstrate that India is not just testing the waters but is committed to making floatovoltaics a key part of its renewable energy strategy. Recognizing this potential, the central government recently approved a major scheme to deploy 5GW of floating solar capacity.
Navigating the Challenges
Despite the clear advantages, floating solar is not without its difficulties. The primary drawback is cost; initial installation can be 20-40% more expensive than land-based systems due to the need for specialized floating structures, robust anchoring systems, and waterproof components. Maintenance can also be more complex and costly. Moreover, there are environmental considerations. While the technology can improve water quality in some ways, researchers are still studying the long-term effects of reduced sunlight and temperature changes on aquatic ecosystems and fish life. Experts note that careful site selection and project design are crucial to ensure these systems are deployed sustainably without harming local biodiversity.
