A Critical Review of Development, Challenges and Techno-Economical Impacts of Floating Solar PV Systems: Bangladesh Case Study

Abstract

The global shift towards land-efficient and decarbonized energy systems has driven innovation in floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) technologies. Best suited for water-surplus and land-scarce nations like Bangladesh, FPV offers a sustainable alternative to ground-mounted PV. This review critically evaluates FPV’s global development, technical efficiency, and environmental  impact, with particular emphasis on the energy landscape of Bangladesh. Using solar irradiance data from NASA POWER, inland water surface availability from national hydrographic surveys, and performance benchmarks from FPV deployments in India and China, this review estimates that FPV could meet 15−20% of Bangladesh’s national electricity demand and offset up to 10 million tons of CO2 annually. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of FPV is marginally lower than that of land-based systems (0.07 vs 0.08 USD kWh−1) under equivalent assumptions of 20-year life, 6% WACC, and 0.5% yr−1 degradation, owing to reduced O&M and higher yield. Additional lifecycle environmental assessments (LCA) are proposed to provide quantitative long-term assessments of material acquisition, deployment, and end-of-life disposal costs for FPV systems. Integration into the grid also seems to be a significant issue, particularly with respect to intermittency, grid flexibility, and near-inland water body transmission infrastructure. Hybridization possibilities with hydropower are addressed herein, and technical, regulatory, and policy frameworks are proposed for implementation. The study aims to guide researchers, investors, and policymakers on how to apply FPV as a revolutionizing tool towards sustainable energy growth in Bangladesh and other delta regions.