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Water-based photovoltaic technology: A comprehensive analysis of material selection, optical characteristics, photovoltaic performance, and practical applications

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  • Peng, Ruili
  • Luo, Chenglong
  • Peng, Jiechuang
  • Zong, Junjie
  • Ji, Jie
  • Chen, Xinzhu
  • Luo, Qi
  • Jiang, Qingyang
  • Su, Xiaoxiao
  • Zhang, Hua

Abstract

Water-based photovoltaic (PV) technology has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable energy generation in aquatic environments, addressing land scarcity while enhancing the efficiency of the energy-water nexus. This review systematically analyzes material selection, optical properties, PV performance, and practical implementations of submerged and floating PV systems through a synthesis of prior experimental datasets. Broad-bandgap materials, including amorphous silicon (a-Si), indium gallium phosphide (InGaP), and inorganic perovskites, demonstrate superior underwater performance through spectral alignment with attenuated solar irradiation. Optical analysis reveals that water layers reduce reflection losses (yielding a 2–8 % transmittance gain) while altering solar spectra, with infrared absorption exhibiting exponential growth with depth. Floating PV (FPV) systems reduce water evaporation by 28 %, while submerged PV (SPV) modules exhibit up to a 40 °C temperature reduction compared to air-exposed counterparts, enhancing operational stability. Critical barriers to commercialization include biofouling-induced efficiency degradation (18–25 % after 200 days), material corrosion in saline environments, and ecological impacts that require mitigation strategies such as self-cleaning nanocoatings and ecological monitoring protocols. The 90 %-lighter flexible solar cells enable PV-USV/AUV integration. Hybrid systems demonstrate 12-day endurance (vs. the hours baseline), sustaining 7-h operations through 72-h cloud coverage at 5.8 kWh/day, though curved-surface installation necessitates improved MPPT methods. The remarkable performance of water-based PV modules underscores their considerable application potential. Future directions emphasize advanced encapsulation technologies, AI-driven energy management, and ecological impact assessments for large-scale deployment. This study provides foundational insights for aquatic PV deployment, establishing the technology as a multifunctional strategy for decarbonizing the blue economy, simultaneously conserving land resources, enabling marine autonomy, and enhancing ecological resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng, Ruili & Luo, Chenglong & Peng, Jiechuang & Zong, Junjie & Ji, Jie & Chen, Xinzhu & Luo, Qi & Jiang, Qingyang & Su, Xiaoxiao & Zhang, Hua, 2026. "Water-based photovoltaic technology: A comprehensive analysis of material selection, optical characteristics, photovoltaic performance, and practical applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:258:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125026291
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124965
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