Floating Solar Panels Could Power 100 Million Homes, Study Finds

A recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reveals that federally managed reservoirs in the U.S. could generate enough solar energy to power approximately 100 million homes annually, SciTech Daily revealed.

Researchers Evan Rosenlieb and Marie Rivers assessed the potential for floating solar panel systems on these reservoirs, estimating a capacity of up to 1,476 terawatt-hours of electricity each year.

While this figure represents a technical maximum, the researchers emphasize that even developing 10% of this potential would significantly contribute to the nation’s energy needs. Floating solar panels offer advantages such as conserving land and reducing water evaporation.

However, the study acknowledges challenges, including environmental impacts and logistical issues related to specific reservoir conditions. Future research will explore these factors, along with site suitability, costs, and regulatory navigation, to facilitate the development of hybrid solar-hydropower systems across the country.