The Evolution Of The US Floating Solar Industry

The US floating solar industry is gaining momentum as stakeholders recognize the benefits of installing solar panels over water bodies, which helps conserve land space. However, floating solar projects face challenges such as competition with recreational uses and habitat conservation. Companies like Florida-based AccuSolar, which evolved from AccuDock’s experience in providing floating structures since 2009, are pioneering the sector by targeting reservoirs, irrigation ponds, stormwater retention sites, flood zones, irrigation canals, and industrial water features as promising locations. These sites often involve water bodies that fluctuate in level, allowing floats to rest on dry ground most of the time and float when water collects, making efficient use of otherwise unusable land. The industry’s growth is supported by leveraging existing water-based industry supply chains and workforce, alongside technological advancements in solar panel efficiency and floating solar trackers, such as those developed by US firm Noria. These innovations enable more power generation from fewer panels, which is crucial for sites shared with other uses. Studies by the US Department