Solar Photovoltaic On Water Bodies in Rajasthan

Abstract

Solar power plants on water bodies are gaining popularity nowadays and are being acknowledged by several states of India. Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) and Canal Top Solar Photovoltaic (CSPV) plants are deployed on lakes, canals, and other water bodies. Their deployment mitigates the issues of land scarcity, dust deposition on panels, and high module temperature, faced by traditional solar power plants. However, limited studies are available that review various techno-economic aspects and promote the full-scale deployment of such technologies. In this context, the paper contributes to review the feasibility and potential assessment of solar plants on water bodies in India's highest solar potential state, Rajasthan. The technology used in FSPV and CSPV plants is discussed here along with their components. Further, the paper presented a cost analysis of various FSPV/CSPV plants across the country. This work highlights the potential benefits and challenges of these plants. This work provides a pathway that would help system planners to install such plants in Rajasthan.