Solar power leaves land behind as floating systems gain ground

In the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, researchers in Taiwan — where expanding renewable energy is challenging given its limited size and geographical constraints — compared land-based solar farms and the island nation’s first large-scale commercial offshore floating photovoltaic installation. They found that offshore systems can generate more electricity over their lifetime, possibly because of the cooling effect of the surrounding water. The study yielded comprehensive insights into the carbon footprint of both types of systems, offering guidance for mitigating CO2 emissions.