Potential of Floating Solar systems in India 

Syllabus: GS3/Environment 

In News

• The recent approval of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) signals the Indian government’s intent to promote land-neutral solar applications.

Background and Need 

• India’s solar capacity has grown from 3 gigawatts (GW) in 2016 to more than 160 GW in 2026, mostly through utility-scale projects. 
• But with solar having to compete with urbanisation and agriculture for space, and ecological conservation a priority, land is becoming increasingly difficult to find for new projects. 
• Therefore Policymakers are discovering ways to increase solar without requiring additional land.

Floating solar systems

• It involves the mounting of solar modules on floating platforms over water bodies such as reservoirs and lakes. 
• The platforms are moored to the bed or shores of the reservoir to hold them in position.
  • Depending on the system design, inverters and other electrical equipment may be located on floating platforms or onshore.
• Floating solar systems produce electricity which is sent to land by electrical cables. 
  • Because they do not require land for installation, industrial ponds, reservoirs, and inland water bodies are ideal for the deployment of floating solar.

Benefits 

• Land conservation:  Floating solar is an effective land use and economic advantage by reducing the demand on limited land.
• Water Conservation: Solar panels can help reduce water evaporation, yet the amount of water saved will be dependent on the level of coverage, climate, and reservoir characteristics.
• More efficiency: The panels are cooled with water, which means better performance and efficiency, especially during hot summers.

India’s Progress

• NTPC Limited commissioned two of India’s largest floating solar projects in 2022: the 100 MW Ramagundam project in Telangana and the 92 MW Kayamkulum project in Kerala.
  • Another milestone project is the 600 MW Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh, with 278 MW capacity operating as of now. 
• India has currently around 700 MW of floating solar electricity with a potential of 102 GW (only 20 per cent of the reservoir area being exploited).

Challenges to handle 

• Weather-related vulnerability: Floating solar systems are exposed to extreme winds, waves, and rapidly changing water levels, making climate-resilient system design crucial. 
• Cost:  Floating solar is generally more expensive than traditional ground-mounted solar because of the cost of floating platforms, anchoring systems, specialised electrical equipment, and installation.
  • The inclusion of energy storage systems will further increase overall capital costs. 
• Coordination among multiple institutions (including state agencies, municipal authorities, electricity utilities, water resources and irrigation departments, environmental authorities, and industries) is complex. 

Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)

• The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY), a ₹5,070 crore scheme to accelerate the development of floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) projects integrated with energy storage systems across the country.
• The scheme aims to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity along with 10,000 MWh of co-located energy storage, providing a minimum storage duration of two hours. 
• Projects will be sanctioned between FY 2026-27 and FY 2030-31, while financial assistance will continue to be disbursed until FY 2032-33.
• Under the scheme, the Centre will provide Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of ₹1 crore per MW for eligible floating solar projects after successful commissioning. 

Suggestions 

• Ecologically sensitive water bodies, as well as areas important for biodiversity, bird habitats, and fisheries, should be treated with caution and approved for floating solar development only after thorough assessments.
• Developing clear frameworks for identifying and allocating suitable water bodies, defining institutional responsibilities, and streamlining approvals will therefore be vital for successful implementation.

Source: IE