Assessing the environmental risks and lifecycle impacts of floating photovoltaic systems

Abstract

Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems provide dual benefits in renewable energy generation and water resource utilization, supporting global decarbonization efforts. This study conducts a full life cycle assessment (LCA) of FPV systems, covering material production, construction, operation, and decommissioning stages. Particular attention was given to ecological risks, an often overlooked aspect in previous environmental evaluations. A structured ecological risk matrix is developed integrating physical, chemical, and biological indicators to evaluate environmental disturbances caused by FPV systems. The framework was applied to eight representative water bodies in China, including Taihu Lake (characterized by high nutrient loading), Danjiangkou Reservoir (a major drinking water source), and Poyang Lake (an ecologically sensitive wetland). Each site is evaluted using a semi-quantitative scoring system based on ecological sensitivity and FPV disturbance potential. Risk levels were classified to guide deployment suitability (0–6), identify high-risk areas, and support mitigation strategies. The findings revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in ecosystem vulnerability and highlighted the lack of standardized protocols for ecological risk assessment in FPV projects. In response, this study proposed context-specific design recommendations, including adjustments to module density, transparency, and anchoring methods, to minimize ecological impacts. This research provides a transferable tool for incorporating ecological metrics into FPV planning and regulatory review, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. It contributes to the development of risk-informed deployment guidelines and emphasizes the need for long-term ecological monitoring in FPV expansion.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Floating photovoltaic systems / Life cycle assessment / Environmental risk management / Renewable energy policy / Carbon neutrality / Climate change mitigation

Highlight

	● A risk matrix is developed to assess FPV impacts.
	● FPV deployment affects thermal and oxygen dynamics.
	● FPV projects influence plankton and benthic ecosystems.
	● Mitigation strategies and monitoring frameworks are proposed.

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