Environmental impacts of floating solar panels on freshwater systems and their techno-ecological synergies

M G Rocha, Sofia and Armstrong, Alona and Thackeray, Stephen J and Hernandez, Rebecca R and M Folkard, Andrew (2024) Environmental impacts of floating solar panels on freshwater systems and their techno-ecological synergies. Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability, 4 (4): 042002. ISSN 2634-4505

Abstract

Renewable energy sources, such as floating photovoltaic systems (FPVs), are crucial to mitigating the climate crisis. FPV deployments on freshwater bodies are rapidly growing, as they avert land-use change, operate with increased efficiency, and potentially improve water availability by reducing evaporation and the frequency of algal blooms. However, understanding of the ecological consequences for water bodies is very limited despite the variable and far-reaching range of potential impacts. Here, we bring novel insight by combining an established theoretical approach—techno-ecological synergies (TES)—with robust understanding of water body functioning, to direct sustainable FPV deployments. Specifically, we show the potential to integrate consideration of both energy and ecological systems for FPV deployment decisions based on current evidence and fundamental understanding of freshwater body states and processes. Based on 422 pieces of evidence from a systematic review of known physical (n = 283), chemical (n = 96) and biological (n = 43) effects of FPV on freshwater systems, we outline eight potential TES that could be realised through FPV location, design, and operation decisions. There was most evidence (n = 114) for the Water Use Efficiency TES, which all reported decreased evaporation rates, or increased water savings, due to panel shading. We highlight a lack of understanding of chemical and biological effects of FPV on hosting water bodies, as well as a need for comprehensive studies in which physical, chemical, and biological aspects of water body dynamics are integrated. Finally, we detail research priorities to ensure future FPV deployments bring benefit for both energy and water bodies. Ultimately, integrated energy and water body system knowledge, FPV deployments could mitigate both the climate and ecological emergencies, with notable benefits for society.