Floating solar

France has set itself ambitious targets for renewable energy, including solar power. The aim is to achieve 33% of electricity production from renewable sources by 2030. The development of floating photovoltaic systems in France is fully in line with these targets, with a rise from 16 GW in 2022 to around 55/60 GW by 2030, and a desired minimum of 75 GW of installed capacity by 2035.

These targets are based on reality. As one of the sunniest countries in Europe, France has great potential for solar energy. However, photovoltaics accounted for just 4.7% of electricity production in the first 3 quarters of 2022, compared to over 7% in Italy and Germany.

Floating photovoltaics is a technology that involves installing photovoltaic solar panels on floating structures, generally on bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, reservoirs or tanks. 

Floating solar panels are similar to conventional solar panels. They convert sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect.

The electricity produced can be used locally to power buildings and infrastructure or be fed into the electricity grid.