Author(s): Hossein Amini; Jack Lewis; Dawn Morgan; Ian Masters; Simon Neill; Andrew Dixon; Shunqi Pan; Reza Ahmadian

Linked Author(s): Reza Ahmadian

Keywords: No Keywords

Abstract: Ground-mounted photovoltaics are established as a form of renewable energy conversion. However, limitations on land coverage hinders their development, particularly in urban environments. As a solution, Floating PhotoVoltaics (FPV) technology has been developed for lakes and marine environments. This design can make a significant contribution to an increase in the rollout of solar panels to reduce emissions and contribute to achieving net zero. In this study, the Welsh coast has been investigated for FPV suitability and aims to aid further future devolvement for policymakers and private investors. The study identified several challenges, such as favorable metrological conditions, depth constraints and proximity to existing infrastructure, that need to be addressed before floating solar panels can be widely deployed. However, this study demonstrates that floating solar panels have the potential to be a valuable part of the energy mix in Wales. In this study, we employed Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) to optimize site selection of FPV along the Welsh coast. The results illustrate the different factors present across the Welsh coast and identify which areas would be able to combat these conditional variables and be able to be deployed, operated and decommissioned effectively.

DOI:

Year: 2024