How do water-surface photovoltaic systems affect community composition?

We found that water-surface photovoltaic systems decreased water temperature, dissolved oxygen saturation and uncovered area of the water surface, which caused a reduction in plankton species and individual density, altering the community composition.

How do PV panels affect water quality?

Large areas of PV panels cast shadows on the water surface and thus can reduce light availability to waterbodies, and floating materials on the water surface reduce contact between the air and waterbody, which may lead to reductions in water temperature and dissolved oxygen 17, 18. These changes might impact aquatic organisms.

What happens if a photovoltaic system is soiled?

Under soiling conditions, a soiled photovoltaic system has the potential to cause daily performance losses of up to 0.6%. When compared to more traditional forms of energy production, PV systems offer a significant number of advantages for the environment.

Can a full-coverage photovoltaic system reduce evaporation?

To address this situation, Santafé et al. designed a full-coverage over-water photovoltaic system, which improves the water energy balance in reservoirs and greatly reduces evaporation.

How can a water photovoltaic system reduce water evaporation?

Such a cover up from a pontoon and PV panels on the reservoirs can also reduce water evaporation. For example, research from Australia suggests that up to 40% of open reservoir's water could be lost through evaporation . Several years of development has gradually moved water photovoltaic system into more standardized designs.

Do solar PV systems impact the environment?

The previous literature review reveals a well-established environmental impacts assessment of the solar PV systems is crucial. Currently, there is a gap in the literature regarding the impact of different PV system components on the environment.