Floating solar panels provide several benefits to aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem:
- Reduction in Water Evaporation: By covering water surfaces, floating solar panels reduce evaporation rates, which is especially valuable in water-scarce regions. This conservation of water helps maintain aquatic habitats and supports aquatic life sustainability.
- Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms: The shading effect of floating solar panels blocks sunlight penetration into the water, which inhibits photosynthesis in algae. This results in a reduction of harmful algal blooms that can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and degrade water quality. For example, the Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir in the UK experienced improved water quality and decreased algae growth following the installation of a floating solar array.
- Improvement of Water Quality: By reducing algal blooms and limiting excess nutrient growth, floating solar farms contribute to healthier aquatic ecosystems. This also decreases the need for chemical treatments that might have adverse effects on the environment. Studies have found reductions in chemical and biological oxygen demand levels in waters with floating solar installations, leading to a balanced aquatic habitat and enhanced biodiversity.
- Moderation of Water Temperature: The shade provided by floating solar panels helps moderate surface water temperatures, creating a more stable and favorable environment for aquatic organisms.
- Potential Concerns and Ongoing Research: While benefits are clear, some research points to increased greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and carbon dioxide, from smaller ponds covered with floating solar, indicating that the ecological effects can vary by location and scale and require careful study.
Overall, floating solar panels benefit aquatic life primarily by conserving water, controlling harmful algae, improving water quality, and stabilizing aquatic environments, though ongoing research continues to monitor and address possible ecological trade-offs.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-floating-solar-panels-benefit-aquatic-life/
