Comparative Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Modules: Roof-Mounted Versus Floating with Polystyrene Material-Based Floats

Abstract

A novel method for generating energy known as floating photovoltaic technology, has gained significant attention due to its numerous advantages. Floating panels reduce water evaporation while simultaneously enhancing energy production. In this paper, it is compared that the performances of floating PV module and rooftop PV module on a sunny day in a composite climate. This study is an experimental analysis of the performance of 20 Wp of floating with a 20 Wp rooftop PV module. It is recorded weather parameters along with module output data for both the floating and rooftop setups. The experimental results show that the efficiency of the floating PV module is greater than that of the rooftop PV module by 0.68%. The floating PV module demonstrates a slightly lower average temperature of 49.23 °C compared to that of the rooftop PV module, which is 50.95 °C. Moreover, floating PV module has a marginal advantage in terms of power generation. The outcomes of this experiment suggest that the efficiency of the floating PV module is greater than that of the rooftop solar panel. This means that for the installation of floating PVs, there is no need for land, which gives them a unique identity.