Large arrays of solar panels floating near the equator could provide unlimited clean energy to countries in Southeast Asia and West Africa, according to a new study.
Solar sails in equatorial waters
Engineering professors at the Australian National University have published a new paper in which they explain that certain regions of the equator will be ideal for solar sails if the water is free of strong winds and large waves. Tropical storms rarely hit these regions.
Solar energy floating in these waters can generate 1 million TWh of energy per year, according to researchers. According to an article in The Conversation , "This is five times the annual energy needed to power a fully decarbonized global economy that feeds 10 billion wealthy people." The water is considered calm when waves are less than 6 meters and the wind speed less
than 15 meters per second. The calmest waters are in Indonesia and equatorial West Africa, near Nigeria. Therefore, floating panels installed in these waters will not require strong and expensive engineering protection.
For example, the Indonesian region "covers an area of approximately 140,000 square kilometers [54,054 sq mi] and has not had waves greater than 4 meters [13 feet]—and winds greater than 10 meters per second—for the past 40 year."
According to the document, not only Indonesia canproduce about 35,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of solar energy per year
with offshore solar power
, which corresponds to the country's current annual electricity production of 30,000 TWh.With Indonesia's high population density, population is limited so as not to disturb ecosystems, floating solar power as an energy source could be a viable solution. Scientists
have estimated that Indonesia would need 25,000 square kilometers (9,653 sq mi) of solar panels to "help prosperous Indonesia fully decarbonize its economy using solar energy." .
Source: Electrek
. If wind and wave patterns do not change significantly due to climate change, a creative and intelligent solution for populated inland regions could be the use of floating solar power in waters near the equator. Of course, developers must be very careful not to harm marine life and fisheries.
What do you think of this idea? Tell us in the comments below.
Read more: North America's largest floating solar farm is officially online.
Image: DNV
If you're thinking about switching to solar power, it's always a good idea to get quotes from multiple installers. To ensure you find a reliable and trustworthy solar installer in your area who offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage , a free service to help you get started with solar energy . Hundreds of pre-approved solar installers compete for your business, ensuring you get quality solutions and save just 20-30%. Plus, it's free to use and you won't receive sales calls until you choose an installer and give them your phone number.
It's easy to compare your personal solar deals online and have access to impartial energy advisors to help you every step of the way. Start here . –Name*
FTC: We use affiliate links to generate income. Other
