Since the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in 2010—and its ambitious revision in 2015—India has made remarkable progress in solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption. Through policy innovations such as the e-reverse auction mechanism, the country has successfully developed a domestic market for large-scale solar developers. Over the past decade, project scales have grown from just a few megawatts (MW) to several hundred MW.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the cost of installing utility-scale solar PV in India fell by an impressive 84% between 2010 and 2018. Despite this success, the sector has recently faced delays due to land acquisition challenges, transmission infrastructure bottlenecks, and legal issues related to import duties on PV components.
Why Floatovoltaics Matter
In response to these challenges, India is exploring alternative deployment strategies—most notably, floating solar PV (FSPV), also known as floatovoltaics. These systems involve PV arrays mounted on buoyant platforms over natural or man-made water bodies such as reservoirs and lakes. The first FSPV plant, a modest 10 kW installation, was commissioned in Rajarhat, Kolkata in 2014. Since then, India’s floating solar sector has been steadily gaining ground.
As of 2018, India had installed 2.7 GW of floating solar capacity, with an additional 1.7 GW under development. These figures highlight floatovoltaics’ potential to contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy goals.
Assessing the National Potential
A recent study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) evaluated the floatovoltaic potential of various water bodies across India. Recognizing that these reservoirs serve multiple functions—such as irrigation, hydroelectricity, navigation, and fisheries—the study considered different scenarios of usable water surface area.
Due to ecological and operational constraints, only a small portion of a reservoir’s surface can be used for solar installations. Under conservative estimates (1–5% usable area), India could harness up to 78 GW of floating solar capacity. With moderate expansion (2–30% usability), this figure rises dramatically to 280 GW.
The following table, adapted from TERI’s analysis, illustrates installation potential based on water body use and assumed coverage scenarios:
Table: State-wise estimated potential of FSPV of India under different scenarios
| Sr. No. | Purpose | Scenario I (in %) | Scenario II (in %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flood control and irrigation | 5 | 10 |
| 2 | Flood control, hydroelectric, and irrigation | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | Hydroelectric | 5 | 10 |
| 4 | Hydroelectric and irrigation | 5 | 10 |
| 5 | Hydroelectric, irrigation, and recreation | 1 | 2 |
| 6 | Hydroelectric, irrigation, and water supply | 2 | 5 |
| 7 | Hydroelectric, irrigation, navigation and pisciculture | 1 | 2 |
| 8 | Hydroelectric, irrigation, pisciculture and water supply | 1 | 2 |
| 9 | Irrigation | 5 | 30 |
| 10 | Irrigation and navigation | 1 | 2 |
| 11 | Irrigation and pisciculture | 1 | 2 |
| 12 | Irrigation and water supply | 2 | 5 |
| 13 | Water supply | 2 | 5 |
| 14 | Hydroelectric and water supply | 5 | 10 |
Data Source for Table: TERI’s analysis (percentage for calculating usable area)
Engineering and Ecological Considerations
Depth estimation is essential for designing a safe and effective floatovoltaic system. A reliable anchoring and mooring setup must withstand environmental conditions, especially in fluctuating water levels. Comprehensive bathymetric and hydrographic surveys help ensure ecological preservation and structural longevity.
State and local governments play a vital role in initiating these surveys. Their involvement will be crucial for drafting informed, sustainable policies that support floating solar adoption.
Material Innovation and Cost Dynamics
Floatovoltaics stand out for their minimal land requirement, needing only limited space for components like inverters and transmission systems. However, concerns remain around their long-term ecological effects and performance reliability.
Key engineering components—floating platforms, anchoring mechanisms, and mooring systems—are central to research and development. Common materials include HDPE (high-density polyethylene), MDPE (medium-density polyethylene), and FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic), along with metallic structures supported by pontoons. Scaling up production and standardizing innovative designs can significantly lower capital costs, making projects more financially attractive.
Nevertheless, until floatovoltaics demonstrate sustained performance in diverse environments, investment risks will remain high. In the interim, dedicated financial support from the government will be essential to accelerate deployment.
Regulatory and Operational Challenges
As with any emerging technology, floatovoltaics bring regulatory and operational uncertainties. These include:
- Lack of standardized installation guidelines
- Ambiguity in insurance coverage
- Ownership rights of water bodies and floating infrastructure
- Challenges in operations, maintenance, and real-time monitoring
To address these concerns, stakeholders—from reservoir authorities to floating system manufacturers—must collaborate. Structured dialogue and knowledge sharing will pave the way for robust governance frameworks and technological refinement.
Conclusion: Charting a Sustainable Path Forward
Floatovoltaics in India represent a promising frontier in solar innovation. They offer a practical solution to land scarcity and open up new avenues for scaling renewable energy. With proactive policy support, interdisciplinary research, and collaborative implementation, India can unlock the full potential of floating solar and establish itself as a global leader in this niche sector.
Further Readings:
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Mohit Acharya and Sarvesh Devraj (2019), 'Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV): A Third Pillar to Solar PV Sector ?'
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IRENA (2019), Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2018, International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi
