FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (SUSTAINABLE ENERGY)

RAJA NOR HISAMUDDIN BIN

RAJA ARIS

KEE23003

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(MEE5012)

TASK 1: TITLE & RESEARCH BACKGROUND

1
Title:

Feasibility study and performance analysis of floating photovoltaic systems in University

Malaysia Pahang

Research Background:

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher
rate than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly
being replenished. Although renewable energy is often seen as a solution for the future of our
power needs, we have been harnessing the natural power of nature for centuries.
However, humans became increasingly dependent on the use of fossil fuels including coal
and natural gas. The widespread use of these types of energy has been shown to have had a
detrimental impact on the planet, with increasing global temperatures, an increase in extreme
weather events and the loss of natural habitats as a result. Recent advances in capture and storage,
along with the global drive towards Net Zero, has created an expansion in renewable and green
energy production. These advances range from small-scale production, such as the placing of solar
panels on a home, to large-scale facilities like offshore wind farms and large-scale solar farm.
Figure 1 below shows the difference source of renewable energy.

Figure 1: Renewable Energy Sources

2
 There are a range of renewable sources that have been developed, with each offering their
own advantages and challenges depending on factors such as geographical location, requirements
for use and even the time of year. As we all know, the Renewable source of energy can be generated
by using hydro, solar, wind, biomass and geothermal.
Figure 2 below shows the statistics released by the IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics
2021 on the data recorded for the Total Renewable Energy Installed Capacity in Malaysia, (2014-
2020) while Figure 3 shows the Total Solar Energy Installed Capacity in Malaysia, (2012-2021).

Figure 2: Total Renewable Energy Installed Capacity in Malaysia, (2014-2020)

Figure 3: Total Solar Energy Installed Capacity in Malaysia, (2012-2021)

3
 The Figure 4 below shows 3 types of solar scheme / installation available in the market.

Solar Energy

Ground Rooftop Floating

Mounted Solar Solar

Figure 3: Type of Solar Energy Scheme / Installation

A ground-mounted solar panel is the same as a rooftop solar panel. The only difference is
ground-mount solar panels get set up on the ground and use a standard installation or a pole mount
installation.
However, the rooftop solar is a photovoltaic system with electricity-generating solar panels
installed on the roof. It can be installed on the rooftop of residential or commercial property.
Rooftop solar works by absorbing sunlight with photovoltaic cells, generating direct current energy
before converting it to alternating current with the help of inverter technology. Finally, the
alternating current energy flows through the building's electrical panel and distributed in the home.
Floating solar, also known as floating photovoltaic (FPV) or photovoltaics, is any sort of
solar array that floats on top of a body of water. Solar panels need to be affixed to a buoyant
structure that keeps them above the surface. If you come across a floating solar installation, it’s
most likely located in a lake, basin, or reservoir because the waters are generally calmer than the
ocean.