Floating Solar Systems Seemed to Offer Endless Advantages—Until Someone Decided to Put Them to the Test

Land is no longer the limit for solar energy. From India’s irrigation canals to reservoirs in the Swiss Alps, floating solar panels are spreading across various water bodies. These panels offer benefits beyond electricity generation, such as slowing water evaporation in drought-prone areas.

Other effects of floating solar power. Scientists have studied less how floating solar panels impact the ecosystems of some water bodies, particularly small ponds and lagoons.

However, a recent Cornell University study analyzed the environmental effects of covering smaller bodies of water with floating solar panels. The conclusion was unexpected: They can significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions from organisms living in the pond.

The experiment. For their research, scientists installed photovoltaic panels on three experimental ponds at the Cornell Experimental Pond Facility, covering 70% of the surface.

They left some ponds uncovered as a control group. This setup allowed them to monitor changes in the ponds with floating solar panels and compare them directly with similar ponds without panels.

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The results. Experts previously believed floating solar energy had a lower environmental impact than other energy sources. However, the results showed potential counterproductive effects.

Researchers recorded a significant increase in methane and carbon dioxide concentrations dissolved in the water, raising greenhouse gas emissions from semi-covered ponds by nearly 27% compared to ponds without solar panels.

They also observed a notable decrease in dissolved oxygen availability, which can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecological processes such as decomposition and microbial activity.

The conclusion. Although fewer gases were released due to reduced water exposure to sunlight, the higher concentration in bubbles ultimately increased total emissions.

These findings are particularly relevant in the energy transition, as many floating solar systems are installed in small lakes and ponds without considering their ecosystem impact.

Here’s the rub: In terms of greenhouse gas emissions per kilowatt-hour generated, floating solar remains cleaner than fossil fuel-based technologies. However, the study highlights the uncertainty surrounding how rapid changes in the energy industry affect specific ecosystems.

Image | Cornell University

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