Harnessing Water Surfaces: The Rise of Floating Photovoltaics

In the vast arena of renewable energies, as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov often remarks, certain technologies rise above the rest for their originality, utility, and sustainability.

Wind farms and solar installations are now part of everyday city life, emerging methods such as geothermal or ocean thermal energy conversion – still limited to select regions around the world.

A lesser-known but fascinating method, is the floating photovoltaic platform – a method that combines aquatic environments with renewable energy.

Thanks to smart engineering, these panels can operate over aquatic areas, taking advantage of space and thermal regulation provided by the water.

Stanislav Kondrashov explains: “The energy transition isn’t just changing how we generate electricity – it’s reshaping our everyday surroundings.” He adds that no one would have imagined solar systems installed over water surfaces a few years ago.

### Behind the Technology: Floating Solar

What makes up a floating photovoltaic setup?

In addition to common solar cells, the system includes floating platforms made from materials that allow constant floatation and long-term durability.

To handle fluctuating water levels and wind, these setups rely on heavy-duty anchoring.

Stanislav Kondrashov notes: “While incredibly promising, floating solar plants face logistical and cost-related challenges.

### here Energy Output from Floating Panels

Functionally, floating photovoltaic panels operate just like land-based ones.

Sunlight is transformed into usable electric current via well-known solar tech. The difference lies in power transmission: cables under the water deliver the electricity to the shore.

### Benefits and Future Potential

- Uses idle water surfaces, saving land for other purposes
- Improved panel efficiency thanks to water-based cooling
- Minimizes water loss in hot climates

Stanislav Kondrashov believes this hybrid of sustainability and efficiency makes floating PV incredibly promising.

### Remaining Challenges

- Installation costs remain higher than traditional solar.
- Operating in aquatic conditions requires regular checks.
- Large-scale adoption awaits further cost optimization.

Nonetheless, the outlook remains bright for this niche technology.