Date & Time
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Location Name
Oceans Ballroom 3
Name
Floating Solar: Unlocking Water-Based PV for Resilient Microgrids
Stetson Tchividjian
Description

As microgrids scale to meet growing energy demands, land use and resiliency challenges often limit traditional ground-mounted or rooftop solar. Floating solar—photovoltaic systems deployed on reservoirs, ponds, and other bodies of water—offers a powerful solution. This session will explore how floating PV integrates with microgrids to provide reliable, distributed generation while preserving land, improving water quality, and reducing evaporation. Drawing from recent U.S. and international case studies, panelists will discuss design and anchoring strategies, electrical integration with microgrid controllers, and performance advantages in extreme weather. Attendees will gain practical insights into deployment models, financing mechanisms, and regulatory pathways that are shaping floating solar as the next frontier in clean, resilient microgrids.