Promotion of floating solar photovoltaics on the surface of water bodies in Europe

The project aims to promote floating solar photovoltaic systems on water bodies in Europe. The technology is mature, reliable and already used mainly in Asian countries while it is suitable in areas densely populated and/or in areas with limited water resources where water saving is needed. It combines solar electricity generation with water saving due to reduced water evaporation from water bodies with covered surface. It is particularly interesting because:

1. The solar irradiance in many regions in Europe is high and the generation of solar electricity is desirable and profitable,
2. It results in green electricity generation combined with water savings due to partly coverage of the surface of the water body (lake, water irrigation pond, et cetera) with solar cells,
3. Floating solar-PVs can be installed on the dams of existing hydropower plants generating both solar and hydro-electricity,
4. It can be used in small- or large-size water bodies.