The Ramagundam floating solar PV project in Telangana, India has been declared fully operational from 1st July 2022. Holding 100MW of energy and hailed as the largest project of its kind in the country, the final 20 MW of the solar PV project’s commercial operation date was recently announced.
Understanding Floating Solar Panels
Floating solar panels, formally known as Photovoltaic (PV) modules, are mounted upon platforms that float on bodies of water such as reservoirs, lakes, and where suitable, seas and oceans. These installations, usually situated on more tranquil bodies of water, require no land levelling or removal of vegetation and are silent to operate and quick to construct.
Ramagundam Project Highlights
Packing advanced technology and environment-friendly features, the Ramagundam project occupies over 500 acres of the reservoir. The project is divided into 40 blocks, each possessing 2.5 MW. Each block is composed of one floating platform and an array of 11,200 solar modules. The entire system is moored through special HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene) rope secured to dead weights located in the reservoir bed.
Environmental Benefits of the Ramagundam Project
From an environmental perspective, floating solar panels need minimal land, which is primarily used for associated evacuation arrangements. The presence of these panels lessens the rate of water evaporation, assisting in water conservation. Notably, this setup can prevent approximately 32.5 lakh cubic meters per year of water loss. The underwater body aids in maintaining the ambient temperature of the solar modules, enhancing their efficiency and generation.
Challenges Associated with the Project
Despite its merits, floating solar panels are more costly to install than a traditional PV system, and the technology is still new, demanding specialized knowledge and equipment. However, with advancements in technology, these installation costs are predicted to decrease. Many installations are large-scale, limiting their application, thus making rooftop or ground-mounted solar a more pragmatic choice.
Solar Energy Initiatives
In order to boost solar energy adoption, several initiatives have been launched. The Solar Park Scheme plans to construct multiple solar parks, each holding nearly 500 MW, across various states. The Rooftop Solar Scheme encourages homeowners to utilize solar power by installing solar panels on their roofs. Finally, the Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) was initiated in September 2016 to facilitate the installation of solar street lighting systems in states where less than 50% of households have access to grid power.