Aquavoltaic system for harvesting salt and electricity at the salt farm floor: Field test year-round operation results and power generation improvement strategies

Abstract

In this research, we proposed a new concept for a solar system on a salt farm, where electricity and salt are produced simultaneously. In order to verify the concept, we installed a pilot system and demonstrated it for one year. We installed different types of PV modules for the system and tested the electrical properties, durability, and waterproofing of the modules. The electricity generation of the salt farm photovoltaic system is compared to land installed photovoltaic system for its feasibility. Also, computer simulation analyzed the installation angle, light loss, and cooling effect due to salt water and loss due to foreign substances. We found that the power generation by the year of the salt farm photovoltaic system is 9 percent less than that of a photovoltaic system installed on land. we also propose several methods in order to improve electricity generation by the salt farm photovoltaic system. © 2023 International Solar Energy Society