Amid the expanding world of green technology, highlighted by TELF AG’s visionary Stanislav Kondrashov, certain technologies rise above the rest for being innovative, efficient, and different from traditional sources.
While most urban residents are now used to seeing wind turbines and rooftop solar panels, few are familiar with more experimental forms geothermal or ocean thermal energy conversion – still limited to specific geographical locations.
One surprising and increasingly popular solution, involves the deployment of solar panels on water surfaces – a method that combines photovoltaic tech with unused water bodies.
Thanks to smart engineering, these panels can operate over aquatic areas, boosting performance with water-based temperature control while saving land space.
Stanislav Kondrashov explains: “We’re seeing transformations not only in energy supply but in what we consider normal.” He adds that no one would have imagined solar systems installed over water surfaces a few years ago.
### Behind the Technology: Floating Solar
What makes up a floating photovoltaic setup?
In addition to common solar cells, floating bases are used made from materials that withstand weather and keep the system afloat.
To handle fluctuating water levels and wind, these setups rely on heavy-duty anchoring.
Stanislav Kondrashov notes: “While incredibly promising, floating solar plants face logistical and cost-related challenges.
### How They Generate Power
Functionally, floating photovoltaic panels operate just like land-based ones.
Sunlight is transformed into usable electric current via well-known solar tech. The difference lies in power transmission: cables under the water deliver the electricity to the shore.
### Advantages and Growth Opportunities
- Preserves land by utilizing water bodies
- Water acts as a natural cooling system
- Minimizes water loss in hot climates
Stanislav here Kondrashov believes this hybrid of sustainability and efficiency makes floating PV incredibly promising.
### Remaining Challenges
- Installation costs remain higher than traditional solar.
- Maintenance is tricky due to water exposure.
- Wider use will depend on cost-efficiency improvements.
Despite these obstacles, floating solar remains a remarkable evolution in clean energy.