How cool is floating PV? A state-of-the-art review of floating PV's potential gain and computational fluid dynamics modeling to find its root cause

The noticeable rise in electricity demand, environmental concerns, and the intense land burden has led to installing PV systems on water bodies create floating photovoltaic (FPV). Of all market niches, FPV is one developing fastest. Along with some of its well-documented merits comes a claim that modules operate at lower temperature than their ground-mounted counterparts (GPVs). This essential due performance loss high operating temperatures. Some literature claims FPVs are so well-cooled they maintain around 10% higher efficiencies. However, this cooling poorly quantified, root cause remains unclear industry. In paper, an extensive review latest published white paper advertisements was analyzed. gains energy yield coming from different causes range 0.11% 31.29%! proves point lack clarity potential gain FPV. then analyses four possible explanations for effect causes. parameters isolated systematically investigated through physics-based finite element modeling. impacts wind velocity, direction, temperature, relative humidity, air proximity water, tilt angle, others evaluated explained. outcomes dictate cooled largely convection. But increase efficiency below anticipated values, ranging 0.5% 3%.