Feasibility and Environmental Sustainability of a 103.5 kWp floating Photovoltaic Electrical System with a Case Study in a Hydroelectric Power Plant, Santa Clara Hpp, Located in the South of Brazil Region

Typical environmental problems associated with the implementation of solar photovoltaic systems for the generation of peak electrical energy, on a larger scale, such as on the order of 1 MWp, is in the occupied area, usually more than 3 km2. This can be minimized by the use of water parks or water dam's reservoir, small and large hydroelectric power plants dams. Both the terrestrial and aquatic systems can impact the site, the first one, for the need to promote earthworks, removal of extensive green areas in the surroundings, installation of new transmission line, among others; and the second, despite the fact that a flat surface is already used and that there is no need for new civil procedures for its installation and can normally take advantage of the existing power transmission line, may cause changes in the biota of the reservoir, depending on the shading areas on the surface of the lake. Due to these facts, this research was proposed to investigate, parameterize and tropicalize an electric power generation system based on floating silicon photovoltaic cell panels installed in the Santa Clara HPP reservoir, in terms of peak power, durability, aspects and environmental impacts, with the study of possible evolutionary improvements of the project such as "tracking" or solar tracking, as well as dynamism of the structure, allowing the shadow area to be shifted over time, minimizing its effects in the local biota.