Foam-based floatovoltaics: A potential solution to disappearing terminal natural lakes
Terminal lakes are disappearing worldwide because of direct and indirect human activities. Floating photovoltaics (FPV) are a synergistic system with increased energy output because of water cooling, while the FPV reduces water evaporation. This study explores how low-cost foam-based floatovoltaic systems can mitigate the disappearance of natural lakes. A case study is performed on 10%–50% FPV coverage of terminal and disappearing Walker Lake. Water conservation is investigated with a modified Penman-Monteith evapotranspiration method and energy generation is calculated with an operating temperature model experimentally determined from foam-based FPV. Results show FPV saves 52,000,000 m3/year of water and US$6,000,000 at 50% FPV coverage. The FPV generates 20 TWh/year of renewable energy, which is enough to offset all coal-fired power plants in Nevada thus reducing carbon-emission based climate forcing partially responsible for a greater rate of disappearance of the lake. The results of this study, which is the first of its kind, indicate foam-based FPV has potential to play a crucial role in mitigation efforts to prevent the disappearing of natural lakes worldwide.
- For Calculations see: Project Page on OSF
- For designs see: Distributed manufacturing of after market flexible floating photovoltaic modules
- For a literature review on FPV see: Solar floatovoltaics lit review
Graphical Abstract
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Keywords
[edit | edit source]Floating photovoltaic; FPV; Flexible; Sustainable development; Open-source; Photovoltaic; Racking; water; energy water nexus; dual use; water conservation; FPV; solar energy; Floatovoltaic; Water conservation; Solar energy; Terminal lakes
See also
[edit | edit source]The Western Innovation for Renewable Energy (WIRED) system is currently under construction to test out new open source methods to reduce PV systems costs and enable novel forms of floatovoltaics, BIPV and agrivoltaics including the world's first agrivoltaic agrotunnel.
- Distributed manufacturing of after market flexible floating photovoltaic modules
- 3-D Printing Solar Photovoltaic Racking in Developing World
- Water Conservation Potential of Self-Funded Foam-Based Flexible Surface-Mounted Floatovoltaics
- The Greenest Solar Power? Life Cycle Assessment of Foam-Based Flexible Floatovoltaics
- Impacts of Location on Designs and Economics of DIY Low-Cost Fixed-Tilt Open Source Wood Solar Photovoltaic Racking
| Authors | Koami Soulemane Hayibo, Joshua M. Pearce |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Organizations | Free Appropriate Sustainable Technology, Western |
| Cite as | Koami Soulemane Hayibo, Joshua M. Pearce (2022–2025). "Foam-based floatovoltaics: A potential solution to disappearing terminal natural lakes". Appropedia. Retrieved June 3, 2026. |
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- Floatovoltaics
- Solar power
- Solar energy
- Photovoltaics
- Sustainable development
- SDG07 Affordable and clean energy
- SDG08 Decent work and economic growth
- SDG09 Industry innovation and infrastructure
- SDG12 Responsible consumption and production
- 2022
- FAST Completed
- Water
- Water conservation