Floating Solar: The Next Frontier in Renewable Energy—And Africa's Opportunity to Lead

When we think of solar energy, we often picture rooftops lined with shiny panels or a vast field of photovoltaics soaking up the sun. What we do not usually imagine are solar panels floating quietly on the surface of a dam or reservoir—yet this is where some of the most exciting innovations in renewable energy are taking place.

Floating solar technology, once a niche concept, is rapidly gaining global traction. Mounted on buoyant structures and fixed to the edges of lakes, ponds, or reservoirs, these systems are redefining how we think about land use and renewable energy generation. According to World Bank research, floating solar alone could generate up to 400 GW of energy globally without even tapping into nearshore coastal areas. With solar energy estimated to become the largest renewable energy source globally, surpassing hydropower, by 2029, the spotlight on innovations like this is only set to intensify.

Unlike traditional solar farms that require significant land, floating solar makes smart use of underutilised water bodies—an especially attractive prospect for countries where land is scarce or better suited for food production. Roughly 3.7% of the Earth’s non-ice-covered surface is made up of lakes and reservoirs, offering enormous untapped potential. Not only does this approach preserve land, but the water’s natural cooling effect can also boost panel efficiency by up to 10%, extending the life of the system and reducing maintenance needs.

This innovation is especially promising for developing nations with vast rural and off-grid populations. In these areas, expanding national grids can cost upwards of $10 million for cross-country or submarine transmission infrastructure. By contrast, a 1 MW floating solar photovoltaic(PV) system can be deployed for around $1.6 million, using local dams or lakes that already serve communities. A floating solar PV systems also removes the need for fuel imports and complex logistics, making them ideal for areas where diesel supply chains are costly or unreliable.

Beyond power generation, floating solar panels offer other crucial benefits: they help reduce evaporation, critical in water-scarce regions, and can slow down the growth of algae, improving water quality. This dual-purpose utility is particularly relevant for African nations confronting both energy poverty and water insecurity.

Africa is well-positioned to benefit from this developing technology. With 1,977 identified water bodies across the continent that could be used to float solar panel systems, there is immense scope for scalable deployment. Recent installations are already lighting the way. In Ghana, a 5 MW floating solar system at the Bui hydroelectric dam conserves land, boosts aquatic biodiversity, and helps the country move closer to its target of generating 10% of electricity from renewables by 2030. In South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, a family-owned farm—Radley Landgoed—has launched a pioneering floating solar PV system that can power the entire estate while preserving agricultural land.

Research suggests Rwanda could generate 237% of its current energy needs from floating solar alone. Ethiopia could generate 129% of its demand, and Chad 73%. Countries like Uganda, Malawi, and the DRC also stand to gain significantly, without displacing communities or farmlands.

However, for the floating solar PV technology to be fully realised, enabling policies are critical. Governments should offer incentives and enforce strong environmental guidelines. Equally important is meaningful community engagement. Water bodies are often lifelines for local people—for fishing, drinking, or farming—so ensuring equitable energy access and sustainable water use must be at the core of every project.

Floating solar is not a silver bullet, but it is a powerful tool in the energy transition toolbox. As more research emerges on its long-term environmental impacts and optimal design, the case for wider adoption could strengthen. With the right mix of innovation, governance, and community inclusion, floating solar could help rewrite the energy narrative for Africa and the rest of the world, one water body at a time.