Comparative Performance Analysis of Floating and Conventional Photovoltaic Systems

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are increasingly popular worldwide and present a promising avenue for renewable energy generation. Despite their benefits, conventional solar power plants face several challenges related to installation and operation. In response, floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems have been developed to mitigate the environmental impact associated with traditional PV setups. Floating PV systems, deployed on water surfaces, provide several benefits compared to traditional land-based PV installations. These advantages include better cooling due to the water surface, more efficient land use, and potential synergistic interactions with aquatic ecosystems. Over the past decade, the FPV market has expanded rapidly, with global installed capacity doubling annually. This study performs an in-depth comparative analysis of the power output from floating and conventional solar PV systems, with a primary focus on evaluating their power generation efficiency. This research utilizes the MATLAB/Simulink platform to simulate the entire system, modifying the standard photovoltaic power generation model to accommodate the FPV configuration. By analyzing data from current installations and conducting simulation-based evaluations, the study demonstrates that floating solar PV systems achieve higher energy yields, attributed to enhanced cooling effects and minimized shading