Floating solar – also known as floating photovoltaic (FPV) or “floatovoltaics”— involves mounting solar panels on floating platforms on reservoirs, lochs, or coastal bays. These systems operate similarly to land-based solar farms but are anchored to remain stable on the water’s surface, offering the opportunity to expand renewable energy generation without competing for scarce land.
Floating solar offers a practical opportunity to supply clean on-site power for energy intensive infrastructure near water, such as port and water-industry infrastructure. Scotland’s first floating solar project was installed by Nova Innovation at the Port of Leith in 2023 power Forth Ports headquarters. A recent proposal for a 35-40 MW floating solar farm, including 60 hectares of floating pontoons at Port Barrow suggests that there is growing interest in the use of this technology in the UK.
Benefits of Floating Solar
Floating Solar provides several advantages as a renewable energy source. It preserves land for other uses, such as arable farming, food production and industry. This is particularly important where there are competing demands for land use. The cooling effect of water on the photovoltaic technology can also boost solar panel efficiency.
Scotland’s extensive water resources offer almost untapped potential in the transition to a greater greener energy mix. Floating solar exemplifies how innovative technology can harness these resources sustainably, complimenting other forms of renewable energy. Locating floating solar infrastructure next to ports, where hydrogen and ammonia trials are emerging, could provide steady electricity supplies for the production of clean gas and other marine fuel derivatives.
Some experts suggest floating solar may support biodiversity by reducing algal blooms through shading, potentially improving water quality and moderating some of the impacts of global temperature rises by keeping the water cool.
Environmental and Practical Considerations
More research is needed to understand ecological impacts. Shading may reduce photosynthesis in aquatic plants and phytoplankton, affecting food chains. Noise, vibration and reduced light could influence fish, amphibians and invertebrates, particularly species sensitive to environmental change.
Floating solar is typically more expensive than ground-mounted solar facilities due to the specialised floating platforms and engineering to withstand water movements and weather. Higher capital costs, combined with no floating solar projects yet securing Contract for Difference support, can limit investor confidence. A lack of targeted incentives may make it harder for developers to secure the long-term revenue streams needed to attract investment. The UK has few operational floating solar projects, and this limited track record makes securing competitively priced financing more difficult.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
Developing floating solar projects in Scotland requires securing lease agreements with loch or water-body owners, or with the Crown Estate for coastal sites. Where rights are required from the Crown Estate the project must align with the Crown Estate’s strategic priorities and the process can be lengthy and competitive – particularly for an emerging technology like floating solar. Where rights are being secured over loch beds, it is possible that ownership of the loch bed can sometimes be split between bordering neighbours. Developers must ensure that they identify all parties with a legal or ownership interest in the Loch.
In Scotland there are also challenges posed by riparian rights, which are rights relating to the use and enjoyment of water as it passes through or alongside a landowner’s property. Riparian proprietors can have a common interest in the flow of water which means that adjacent or downstream owners could be entitled to receive a flow of water undiminished quality and quantity. Similarly, public access rights under the Land Reform Scotland Act 2003 must likely be managed to ensure continued recreational and educational use of lochs, rivers and reservoirs.
Outlook for Floating Solar in Scotland
Floating solar remains underdeveloped in the UK compared with parts of Europe, but it presents a meaningful opportunity for Scotland to diversify its renewable energy portfolio while using abundant water resources. The legal, environmental and financial complexities surrounding floating solar require careful navigation; however, as technology advances and costs continue to fall, growing interest in its role within the UK energy system offers real momentum. With clearer guidance on riparian rights, leasing and regulation, developers, landowners and investors will be well placed to unlock its potential.
*Originally featured in The Business on 10 April 2026: Spotlight on emerging potential of floating solar | The Business
