[Singapore]

At the start of the 3rd International Floating Solar Symposium (IFSS) held at the Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES) this week, the World Bank Group, ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Program), and SERIS (Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore) launched the latest “2019. Where Sun Meets Water: Floating Solar Handbook For Practitioners” report, now billed as a handbook and the definitive guide on every aspect of floating solar PV systems along with the above infographic poster. The full report can be downloaded from ESMAP here.

The Floating Solar Handbook was launched in a symbolic handoff between ESMAP Program Manager Mr. Rohit Khanna, and SERIS Deputy CEO Dr. Thomas Reindl.

The Floating Solar Handbook is oriented to providing Floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) project stakeholders: developers, utilities, contractors, investors, regulators, and decision makers, with practical guidelines on the technology applied to inland water bodies and near shore coastal applications.

Despite the megawatts and gigawatts of Floating Solar interest, announcements, and projects, FPV lacks a robust track record or even longer-term performance data. Beyond the complexity involved with FPV system design, construction, and operations and maintenance upon the water, further studies are required to understand the environmental impact and long-term performance risks involved with FPV systems.

While contemplating FPV, I was reminded of the Late Show with David Letterman segment, “Will it Float?” So does a typical framed, backsheet PV module sink or float?