Operation and Maintenance of Floating PV Systems: A Review
Harsha Lakmal Walpita, Nathan Roosloot, Gaute Otnes, Bjørn Lupton Aarseth, Josefine Selj, Vilde Stueland Nysted, Erik Stensrud Marstein
Abstract
Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems are emerging as a promising solution to the scarcity of suitable land for ground-mounted solar PV (GPV) installations. By the end of 2022, global FPV capacity reached 5.7 GWp following a remarkable compound annual growth rate of approximately 87.5% from 2015 to 2022. This growth introduces a significant new frontier for operation and maintenance (O&M) practices in the solar industry. As the industry matures and more FPV assets come under operation, the need for innovative, efficient, and environmentally sensitive O&M strategies becomes imperative. This review presents the existing information on the O&M of FPV systems, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that set FPV systems apart from conventional GPV installations. Through an examination of recent advancements, best practices, and areas requiring further research, this study aims to provide valuable insights for optimizing the performance and sustainability of FPV systems.