Impact of water level variations on floating PV system performance: A case study at Hapcheon Lake, South Korea

This study investigates the relationship between the water level variations and the effects of shading on a floating photovoltaic (FPV) system in Hapcheon Lake, South Korea. Shadow patterns on FPV arrays at different water levels and corresponding shading factors were analyzed using a geographic information system (GIS). Data collected during the operation of the FPV system at Hapcheon Lake were used to validate the GIS-based analysis results. The shading analysis revealed that the shading factors at water levels of 159, 162, 165, and 168 m were 0.238, 0.230, 0.204, and 0.180, respectively, for FPV arrays connected to electrical room 1. The findings showed a decrease in shading effects as the water level increased and an increase in shading effects as the water level decreased. Two potential areas for installing new FPV arrays were identified in the southern part of Hapcheon Lake. The analysis revealed that candidate area 1 is more effective than candidate area 2 when considering water level fluctuations, with annual power generation estimated at 5.79 GW-5.84 GW for candidate area 1 and 5.61 GW-5.75 GW for candidate area 2. This study further emphasizes the importance of accounting for water level variations in the planning and implementation of FPV projects to achieve optimal energy output and ensure longterm sustainability.