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Western University researchers in London, Ontario, Canada, have analyzed 7 kW foam-backed floating photovoltaic system on a cold-climate pond. The study was published in Applied Energy in 2026 while an earlier SSRN version was posted on September 9, 2025. The semi-flexible monocrystalline FPV system used an air bubbler to limit ice formation during winter. The system generated 7.7 MWh per year, up to 2.7% higher than selected modeled FPV cases. The study found that 50% pond coverage could reduce evaporation by up to 927 m³ per year. The bubbler’s energy use ranged from 1.9 kWh to 893 kWh, equal to 0.02% to 14.5% of annual output. Under a high off-grid electricity price case of CAD 0.55 per kWh, the system showed a positive net present value of about CAD 57,000 and a 4.2-year discounted payback period.
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