Resource Potential Assessment of Floating Photovoltaic Systems on Artificial Reservoirs in Luzon, Philippines

The Philippines currently has seven dam-type man-made reservoirs in Luzon which are being utilized for hydroelectricity generation. The surface area of these artificial reservoirs can be used for floating photovoltaic (FPV) deployment, which is currently providing opportunities for solar PV capacity expansion in other countries. This study assessed the resource potential of FPV system on artificial reservoirs in Luzon by using a reservoir-specific methodology depending on data availability and provided estimates of potential and LCOE of FPV systems on these reservoirs. The resource potential is bounded by site constraint such as the underwater terrain and water level variation of the water body and technical limitations such as minimum distance from shore and anchor placement. FPV potential ranging from 50 MW to 230 MW are estimated for reservoirs with bathymetry data while 600 MW to 2500 MW are estimated for reservoirs with lacking bathymetry. These figures represent a reservoir area coverage of approximately 7% to 65%. An economic analysis based on the estimated resource potential of the FPV systems on each reservoir shows that the systems sited in Luzon have a range of LCOEs from USD 0.079/kWh to USD 0.094/kWh which is at least 20% higher compared to ground-mounted PVs due to additional cost of floating structure and higher mismatch and soiling losses. The result of this study can be utilized by policymakers to develop guidelines and policies specific to FPV deployment in the country and can also serve as a reference for the resource potential of FPV for energy developers and investors.