Table 4
Characteristics and considerations for floating solar installations on stagnant bodies and oceans.
| Characteristic | Floating solar-stagnant water bodies | Ocean-based floating solar |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Man-made reservoirs, lakes, ponds | Near-shore regions of oceans |
| Water Conditions | Calm and sheltered | Harsher wave conditions, potential for strong currents |
| Platform Design | Simpler design focused on buoyancy and hydrostatic load (water pressure) | Robust design to withstand waves, currents, and potential for mooring to seabed |
| Anchoring System | Simpler anchoring systems using cables and weights | Complex anchoring systems using mooring lines and anchors designed for seabed conditions |
| Construction | Easier construction due to calmer water conditions | More challenging construction due to wave and current considerations |
| Environmental Impact | Lower potential impact on aquatic ecosystems due to calmer waters | Potential for more significant impact on marine life and ecosystems, requiring careful study |
| Energy Production | Potentially higher energy production due to the water-cooling effect | Potentially even higher energy yield due to stronger and more consistent sunlight (depending on location) |
| Land-Use Conflict | No land-use conflict | No land-use conflict |
| Scalability | Limited scalability due to the finite size of inland water bodies | High scalability due to vast ocean surface area |
| Regulations | Established regulations for inland water bodies | Emerging regulations for ocean-based applications |
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