UC Davis

Floating photovoltaic solar energy is a rapidly expanding renewable energy source emerging as an alternative to land-intensive ground-mounted solar energy. The potential of renewable energy resources is commonly explored through site suitability and technical feasibility analyses. However, these methodologies are difficult to apply to floating photovoltaic solar energy due to the absence of standardized protocols. We conducted a systematic review of floating photovoltaic solar siting studies to identify trends and gaps in criteria used to identify suitable development sites. Of the identified criteria, solar resources (e.g., irradiation) and distance from transmission infrastructure are the most frequently documented assessment criteria, while waterbody function and protected areas are the most frequently documented exclusionary criteria. Overall, techno-economic criteria are overrepresented, while social and environmental criteria are often underutilized in the selection process. The results of this study suggest a lack of consensus regarding the criteria for defining a suitable development site and inconsistency in how experts conduct site suitability assessments. A framework is proposed as a means to guide siting workflows and standardize how the social and environmental impacts of floating photovoltaic solar installations are assessed.