Solar is now the ‘cheapest source of electricity in history’, according to a 2020 report. Solar power is the world’s cheapest source of electricity, according to a 2020 IEA report. It’s land-intensive though, so researchers have explored the potential of floating solar panels on bodies of water. Their study suggests the idea has potential, but questions remain about the impact on wildlife and the broader ecosystems. Solar power is now the cheapest source of electricity in history , according to a 2020 report by the International Energy Agency. But there’s something holding this clean energy powerhouse back: space. Unlike fossil fuel power stations, solar farms need a lot of room to generate enough electricity to keep up with demand. Most solar farms are composed of ground-mounted panels that take up land that could be used to grow food or provide habitat for wildlife. Although electricity and water don’t usually mix, a growing number of floating solar farms are being deployed worldwide. Floating solar panels on a lake or reservoir might sound like an accident waiting to happen, but recent studies have shown the technology generates more electricity compared with rooftop or ground-mounted solar installations. This is thanks to the […]
Floating solar farms could cool down lakes threatened by climate change
