Assessing the Techno-Economic Viability of Large–Scale Floating Photovoltaics on Valsequillo Dam, Central Mexico

Floating photovoltaics (FPV) have gained significant attention due to the enhanced performance of solar panels in cooler conditions and their dual land-use benefits. This study examines the techno-economic analysis (TEA) of large-scale (10-MWdc) FPV implementation on Valsequillo Dam in Puebla, Mexico. Our findings indicate that FPV systems could generate 1.3% more energy than conventional land-based PV (LPV) systems. While FPV requires higher equipment and installation costs, the absence of land acquisition expenses provides a considerable advantage. Contrastingly, land costs account for one-third of the capital investment in LPV systems, reducing their overall economic viability. Finally, the net present value (NPV) for FPV is projected to be 4.78 million USD, approximately 1 million USD higher than the LPV scenario. These results highlight the potential of FPV systems to deliver both economic and energy performance benefits, making them a viable option for renewable energy generation in regions with suitable water resources.