Comparative assessment of offshore floating photovoltaic systems using thin film modules for Maldives islands

Floating photovoltaic systems has a high potential for large-scale power generation when introduced on the offshore location. These systems help to boost the renewable power generation in islands with minimal land availability. In this context, this study presents the electrical performance of offshore floating photovoltaic systems in Maldives Islands. Offshore floating photovoltaic systems of 5 MW installed capacity using thin-film modules were considered for implementation on four offshore locations. Numerical analyses were carried out to assess the electrical performance of the systems and the results were compared with floating photovoltaic system at a lake and a ground mounted photovoltaic system. The results revealed that the thin film-based offshore floating photovoltaic systems increase the annual energy yield by 13 % and 14 % compared to that of pontoon mounted and ground mounted systems, respectively. The performance ratio of the offshore systems was higher than that of other systems, with the maximum value of 87.10 % and annual energy yield of 8.74 GWh. The cost analysis indicates that the cost of ground mounted system is 72 % higher than that of floating systems. The carbon footprint analysis revealed that the offshore systems can reduce the carbon emission by about 14 % higher than that of other systems.