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

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  • Choi, Yosoon
  • Rujaya, Thanurak
  • Jang, Yonghae

Abstract

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 long-term sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Choi, Yosoon & Rujaya, Thanurak & Jang, Yonghae, 2025. "Impact of water level variations on floating PV system performance: A case study at Hapcheon Lake, South Korea," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:242:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125001995
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mohamad Al-Widyan & Mohammad Khasawneh & Muna Abu-Dalo, 2021. "Potential of Floating Photovoltaic Technology and Their Effects on Energy Output, Water Quality and Supply in Jordan," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Yilmaz, Osman Salih & Ateş, Ali Murat & Gülgen, Fatih, 2023. "A novel approach suggestion for assessing the impact of topographic shading on the estimation of the floating photovoltaic technical potential," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    3. Jangwon Suh & Yonghae Jang & Yosoon Choi, 2019. "Comparison of Electric Power Output Observed and Estimated from Floating Photovoltaic Systems: A Case Study on the Hapcheon Dam, Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Bai, Bo & Xiong, Siqin & Ma, Xiaoming & Liao, Xiawei, 2024. "Assessment of floating solar photovoltaic potential in China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
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    6. Johan Karim, 2023. "Floating Photovoltaic Potential in the Rawa Biru Area of South Papua Province," Technium, Technium Science, vol. 17(1), pages 41-45.
    7. Gonzalez Sanchez, Rocio & Kougias, Ioannis & Moner-Girona, Magda & Fahl, Fernando & Jäger-Waldau, Arnulf, 2021. "Assessment of floating solar photovoltaics potential in existing hydropower reservoirs in Africa," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 687-699.
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    1. Oreoluwa Lawale & Simon P. Philbin & Sahand Hosouli, 2025. "Modelling, Simulation and Performance Analysis of Floating Photovoltaic Systems—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-47, October.

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