A Novel Approach for Clean Energy Production and Decarbonization Using Floating Photovoltaic Systems: Türkiye Case

Abstract

Floating photovoltaic systems (FPVs) have many advantages over traditionally used photovoltaic systems, such as preventing water evaporation, using agricultural lands for different purposes, and having higher energy efficiency. Therefore, FPVS can be an effective solution to reduce dependence on fossil energy sources and minimize carbon emissions. There are limited number of studies on FPVs application in Türkiye, especially in terms of the CO2 emission reduction. Therefore, determination of optimum tilt angle, annual energy production and decarbonization for FPVs applications in water bodies in Türkiye were investigated through this research. The results show the effects of FPVS installed in five different water bodies on energy output and greenhouse gas emission reduction. The simulation of FPVs was carried out in the PVGIS software. Firstly, the annual energy production (AEP) of FPVs with different tilt angles scenarios (5 degrees, 12 degrees, 22 degrees, 32 degrees, 42 degrees) is calculated for five different water bodies. Based on the AEP calculations, the monthly energy production of FPVS with 32 degrees tilt angle, which provides maximum energy production, is discussed. The annual energy production of Berdan Dam with 32 degrees tilt angle shown potential of 1588 kWh annually and provides the highest energy output among five different water bodies in Türkiye. CO2 emission reduction was also calculated and varied between 1 and 1.1 tCO2/year for observed locations. The obtained results provide important insights in optimum tilt angle for the installation of FPVS for Turkish climatic conditions and emphasize the FPVS effect on reducing carbon emissions and decarbonization contribution.