Can floating PV systems be installed on a mine pit lake?

This study analyzed the potential of floating PV systems on a mine pit lake in Korea to break this misconception. Using a fish-eye lens camera and digital elevation models, a shading analysis was performed to identify the area suitable for installing a floating PV system.

What is Floating photovoltaic (FPV)?

With the accelerated development of clean energies for carbon emission reduction, floating photovoltaic (FPV) has become an emerging solution. With its advantages of saving land, suppressing evaporation, and improving power generation efficiency, it has attracted the attention of the global clean energy field.

Can a floating PV system be used for abandoned mines?

Considering the environmental and economic gains from greenhouse gas reduction and electricity sales, a floating PV system on a pit lake of an abandoned mine site is considered an efficient reuse option for abandoned mines.

Is a floating PV system better than forest restoration?

The analysis revealed that while installing a floating PV system on the pit lake requires 1.7 times higher initial cost than forest restoration, the annual reduction of GHG emissions is twice as high. For GHG reduction per unit price as well, the floating PV system on the pit lake was found to be better than forest restoration.

Will China build a floating solar farm on abandoned coal mines?

China's plan to build 1 GW floating solar farms on abandoned coal mines present a stark contrast to the current environmental policies of the government of the United States.

Why are open-pit mines considered inadequate for PV systems?

Open-pit mines are considered inadequate as sites for installing PV systems because their topographic characteristics do not allow space for large-scale PV systems. Moreover, the slopes around them produce large surface shadows on the array of PV panels, thus limiting their efficiency.