Floating solar panels offer a game-changing solution to the UK’s energy dilemma. Unlike traditional land-based solar farms, which consume valuable agricultural land, floating solar installations sit atop reservoirs, spaces that are already in use and largely invisible to the public.
Spelthorne is uniquely positioned with four prime reservoirs, offering the perfect opportunity to harness solar power without harming biodiversity or disrupting water sports. It also improves water quality and reduces water loss from evaporation by 70%. It’s a win-win for our environment and our community.
A 2024 study by Bangor University and Lancaster University found:
- If the UK covered just 10% of eligible inland water bodies with floating solar, it could generate up to 2.7 TWh/year—enough to power over 900,000 homes
Further analysis shows:
- Covering just 15% of the UK’s existing man-made water bodies with floating solar panels could generate 16GW of solar power, this would generate around 80,000 jobs in the construction phase and 8000 additional jobs in operations and maintenance.
Benefits include:
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
- The cooling effect of water bodies on overlying PV systems mitigates thermal stress on photovoltaic modules, leading to efficiency gains of up to 11% compared to terrestrial solar systems. This enhanced output is particularly beneficial during peak summer demand periods.
Water Conservation
- By shading the water surface, FPV systems can reduce evaporation rates by up to 60%, a benefit of growing importance given the increasing frequency of drought events driven by climate change.
Algal Bloom Mitigation
The reduction in solar penetration limits the growth of photosynthetic organisms, thereby suppressing harmful algal blooms that can compromise aquatic ecosystems and public water supplies.
I’ll continue to push the Government to invest in this forward-thinking solution. Good for food security, energy security and water security. With the right support, the UK can lead the way in cutting-edge renewable energy.