Optimal Configuration and Economic-environmental Analysis of Floating Photovoltaic: An Empirical Case Study in Singapore

Floating photovoltaic (FPV) is a novel sustainable power generation component that combines renewable energy and marine technologies to generate electric power eco-friendly. This paper proposes the optimal configuration and the economic-environmental analysis of future FPV installation in Singapore, one of the representative countries with ample solar power resources and water bodies worldwide. First, the technical feasibility of FPV installation in Singapore is analyzed. Next, a suitable location in Singapore to install FPVs, i.e., Pandan Reservoir, is determined. Then, a sensitivity analysis is conducted under four FPV configurations (i.e., monofacial FPV, monofacial FPV with heatsink, bifacial FPV, and bifacial FPV with heatsink). Results showcase how FPV efficiency can be improved and suggest the optimal FPV configuration at the desired location. Finally, the economic and environmental aspects of FPV installation in Singapore are elaborated. This study could help policy-makers set developmental goals for future large-scale FPV integration and guide industry practitioners to adopt FPVs.