FAQ

Floating solar, also called floatovoltaics, is a renewable energy technology where photovoltaic (PV) panels are mounted on floating platforms on water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes, and dams. These panels convert sunlight into electricity, just like land-based solar, but benefit from the natural cooling effect of water, which can improve performance. The floating system is anchored or moored to keep it in position.

Floating solar offers several unique advantages over land-based solar farms:

• Preserves valuable land - Uses existing water surfaces, leaving agricultural, industrial, or urban land free for other purposes.
• Higher energy efficiency - The natural cooling effect of water can boost panel performance by 5–15% compared to ground-mounted systems.
• Water conservation - Reduces evaporation from reservoirs on average by 30%; which is especially beneficial in drought-prone areas.
• Environmental benefits - Our unique design allows natural light to pass through, helping maintain water quality and supporting marine life beneath the surface. 
• Lower dust accumulation - Cleaner panels mean less maintenance and more consistent energy output.
• Synergy with existing infrastructure – Ideal for pairing with hydropower plants, water treatment facilities, and irrigation reservoirs.

Yes. Floating solar systems are typically 5–15% more efficient than ground-mounted systems due to the cooling effect of water, which helps maintain optimal panel temperatures. Reduced dust accumulation on water can also lower cleaning requirements, further improving output performance.

The electricity output depends on system size, location, and sunlight hours. As an example, in the UK, a 1 MW floating solar installation can produce around 950,000–1,150,000 kWh per year. This is enough to power roughly 250–300 average UK homes. 

It is not advisable for some bodies of water. Floating solar is best suited to calm water bodies, many trials have been undertaken at sea and weather unpredictability, waves (billow) can severely impact safety; examples of ideal locations for floating solar are: Reservoirs, Lakes & Lochs, Irrigation ponds, Industrial lagoons, Quarries, Hydropower Dams etc.

Yes. Floating solar systems are generally 5–15% more efficient than traditional ground-mounted solar farms. This is because:

• Natural cooling - Water keeps the panels at a lower operating temperature, improving performance.
• Reduced dust buildup - Cleaner surfaces allow more sunlight to reach the PV cells.
• Better light reflection - The water surface can slightly increase solar irradiance on the panels.
• Bi facial panels - A well designed system will deliver more energy per square metre and higher energy per kWp than a conventional land-based farm.

Patented walkable concrete floats which are durable and stable; they have been engineered for easy access and long-term reliability, our robust concrete floats are non-toxic to protect water quality, require no maintenance and offer safe, walkable surfaces.

Yes, floating solar systems are engineered to withstand extreme weather events; including storms, high winds, and floods. Safety and resilience depend on robust mooring & anchoring systems, allowances for water level fluctuations and correct design for wind and waves (billow) loads are imperative.

Floating solar projects can operate safely and enhance aquatic environments; can slow harmful algae’s, stabilise temperature and stop evaporation.

Floating solar is practical and advantageous solution for wastewater treatment plants and irrigation ponds; they reduce operating costs, conserve water, and improve water quality.

Floating solar can be directly integrated with hydropower plants to create hybrid renewable energy systems. This combination offers unique benefits for efficiency, cost, and grid stability.

Floating solar can be used for off-grid or remote applications, and in fact, it can be particularly advantageous; Floating solar doesn’t require valuable land, which can be scarce or expensive in remote areas. Lakes, reservoirs, or ponds can be utilised without displacing other land uses. Floating solar systems can be designed to work seamlessly with microgrids, hybrid renewable systems, or standalone energy setups.

Designing a floating solar system requires careful planning to ensure efficiency, durability, and minimal environmental impact; best practices are Site Selection, Environmental Considerations, Platform & Anchoring Design, Electrical System Design, Regulatory & Community Engagement, Safety and ongoing Operations & Maintenance.

The floating platform must be secured via anchoring which is floor/shore based or a combination of both; mooring lines and cables are connected to anchors and consider fluctuating water levels whilst allowing flexibility. The tension of mooring lines must be balanced and allow movement for water level changes, wind and billow.

Billow is wave-like motions or undulations of the water surface that affect the floating platform.

Floating solar is efficient, scalable, environmentally friendly, and solves land-use challenges by using underutilised water surfaces like reservoirs, lakes, and irrigation ponds, avoiding competition with agriculture or urban development. Advances in floatation materials, modular platforms, and anchoring systems make installations more durable and cost-effective. Panels on water stay cooler, improving efficiency and output compared to some ground-mounted systems. Countries like China, Japan, India, and the U.S. are investing heavily in floating solar, creating a positive feedback loop for technology adoption and cost reduction.

Concrete floating platforms provide extreme stability in windy or wavy conditions.

Yes, our floating solar (FPV) systems are designed to operate safely under a wide range of weather and climate conditions. Resilience depends on engineering design, anchoring systems, and site selection.

1. Wind and Waves

• Floating solar platforms are engineered with anchoring and mooring systems that can handle strong winds and surface wave action (Billow).
• In high-wind regions, arrays are installed with reinforced moorings, wave barriers, or placed in sheltered reservoir areas to minimise stress.

2. Heavy Rain, Floods, and Water Level Changes

• Mooring lines are designed with flexibility to handle seasonal or rapid water level changes.
• In flood-prone areas, floating solar structures can rise and fall with the water, unlike fixed land-based systems.

3. Snow and Ice

• Our concrete platforms are designed to resist cracking or heaving.
• Panels are tilted to shed snow naturally.