Floating Solar Photovoltaic: A Critical Review of Improvements in Thermal Competence, Cost-Effectiveness, and Hybrid System Integration

Alshekhly, Mohammed; Alsarayreh, Alanood A.

doi:10.63463/kjes1224

	Floating Solar Photovoltaic: A Critical Review of Improvements in Thermal Competence, Cost-Effectiveness, and Hybrid System Integration
Kerbala Journal for Engineering Sciences (KJES)
Article 5, Volume 6, Issue 2, June 2026, Pages 160-195 PDF (2.94 M)
Document Type: Review Article
DOI: 10.63463/kjes1224
Authors
Mohammed Alshekhly^* ¹; Alanood A. Alsarayreh²
¹College of Engineering, Gulf University, Sanad 26489, Bahrain.
²Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mutah University, P.O. Box 7, Al- Karak 61710 – Jordan.
Abstract
This paper provides a critical review of the design, performance, and integration opportunities of Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) systems in accordance with the growing need sustainable and land-efficient renewable energy systems to overcome land-use constraints and enhance energy production through floating deployments. The methodology is based on the PRISMA principles and entails a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2026, and the findings are categorized into three key themes: performance and efficiency analysis, technical and economic feasibility, and hybrid system integration. Key results show that FPV systems have a consistent and consistently better performance over ground-mounted PV, with a range of temperature reductions of 2-11^oC and energy yield improvement between 2-28%, with such variability being attributed to the changing of local climatic conditions (tropical vs. temperate) as well as the system design (tilt angle, mounting height, and inter-row spacing) and testing conditions (wind speed, irradiance, and water temperature differentials). Other advantages are evaporation cuts of up to 49%, even payable cost of electricity (LCOE) of 0.036-0.10 $/kWh, payback periods of 4.7-8.4 years, and reductions in water of up to 105000 kL per year. The review concludes that the FPV technology is a potential and feasible source of renewable energy in various climates, especially when used in combination with hydro power or offshore wind energy.
Keywords
Floating photovoltaic; Performance analysis; Techno-economic feasibility; Hybrid energy systems; Renewable energy integration
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