‘Floating’ solar panels could provide power for billions of people

[Sept. 19, 2023: Staff Writer, The Brighter Side of News]

In our relentless quest for sustainable energy solutions, innovators often stumble upon creative methods to maximize energy sources. As solar energy continues to shine brightly in the arsenal of renewable sources, researchers grapple with the challenge of space. Solar panels, as we know them, require ample open spaces to operate efficiently. But what if our expansive oceans could be the answer?

A groundbreaking paper from engineering professors at the Australian National University (ANU) has unveiled a novel solution to this spatial challenge: floating solar panels strategically positioned in calm equatorial waters.

Traditionally, the installation of solar panels on the earth's surface has dominated solar energy production. Yet, there are vast swathes of our planet — specifically in the equatorial regions — that remain an untapped reservoir for solar energy potential.

Research has indicated that the waters surrounding regions like Indonesia and equatorial west Africa enjoy a distinct tranquility. Waves in these areas rarely surpass 20 feet, and winds seldom exceed a velocity of 50 feet per second (approximately 34 miles per hour). These calm conditions negate the need for expensive storm defenses, making it a promising domain for solar infrastructure.

To put the energy potential into perspective, if this innovative approach is successfully executed, floating solar panels in equatorial waters could churn out a staggering 1 million terawatt-hours of energy every year.

To bring home the magnitude of this figure, the researchers contextualized it in a post for The Conversation: "that’s about five times more annual energy than is needed for a fully decarbonized global economy supporting 10 billion affluent people.”

Highlighting the potential further, the ANU team identified the Indonesian waters alone as a powerhouse. Over the past 40 years, approximately "140,000 square kilometers [about 54,054 square miles] of seascape" in the region has enjoyed waves no taller than 4 meters (about 13 feet) and winds no more than 10 meters per second (around 22 miles per hour).

However, every ambitious proposal comes with its set of challenges. One of the primary concerns stems from the changing climate patterns. As global temperatures ascend, the calm waters of the equator may not remain serene forever. Wave and wind patterns could shift, potentially posing threats to the floating solar infrastructure.

Furthermore, the project's environmental footprint cannot be overlooked. Solar panels, as designed for terrestrial use, predominantly consist of silicon and aluminum.

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Yet, aluminum's susceptibility to corrosion in marine environments necessitates the development of specialized panels for these waters. Manufacturers wouldn’t want these panels to become ocean pollution like fishing/aquaculture debris.

The welfare of marine life in proximity to these installations is paramount, requiring developers to tread with caution.

Despite the challenges, there's a palpable sense of excitement around the possibilities. One enthusiastic commenter opined, "Every reservoir in the world should have floating solar to do two things — produce power and reduce evaporation which will be sorely needed as temperatures continue to rise.”

If we harness even a fraction of the energy potential highlighted in the ANU paper, the global community could make monumental strides in sustainable electricity generation.

Floating solar panels in equatorial waters could very well be the next frontier in our collective endeavor to secure a greener future for our planet.

Note: Materials provided above by The Brighter Side of News. Content may be edited for style and length.

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