Techno-economic feasibility analysis of floating photovoltaic systems on 58 Moroccan dams: energy potential, economic viability, and water evaporation

Abstract

Photovoltaic solar energy represents a highly promising solution for Morocco, benefiting from abundant and consistent sunlight, despite persistent challenges such as land scarcity and high temperatures that affect efficiency. Installing solar photovoltaics on existing dams offers an attractive and sustainable alternative, as they enhance overall renewable energy production, reduce evaporation, and benefit from existing electrical infrastructure. This approach contributes to the optimization of water and energy resources. This paper evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems on 58 Moroccan dams, considering water surface availability, evaporation rates, potential energy production, panel tilt angles, associated costs, and various floating platform configurations. This national-scale evaluation provides new insights into FPV deployment, offering essential data to support Morocco’s renewable energy transition. The results indicate that the total surface area of the monitored dams is approximately 433 square kilometers, with an estimated annual water loss of around 909.458 million cubic meters due to evaporation. The analysis of panel tilt angles suggests that 31° may be optimal for energy production, while lower angles, such as 11°, also remain viable, offering a better balance between energy generation and water conservation. It was concluded that covering just 1% of the total surface area of all monitored dams could make a substantial contribution to Morocco’s energy needs, providing a rapid return on investment.