Advancing floating photovoltaic systems: trends, challenges, and future directions in sustainable energy development

Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems represent a promising innovation in renewable energy, utilizing water surfaces such as reservoirs and lakes to deploy solar panels, thereby conserving land resources and enhancing energy efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of FPV research from 2012 to 2023, highlighting key trends, technological advancements, and environmental challenges. Our findings reveal a significant rise in global FPV studies post-2019, focusing primarily on system performance, environmental impacts, and policy development. Despite this progress, gaps remain in long-term ecological risk assessments and international collaboration. Future research should prioritize the integration of FPV with aquaculture, water resource management, and hybrid energy systems to foster sustainable, large-scale deployment. This study provides critical insights into the evolving FPV landscape, offering strategic recommendations for advancing FPV technology and policy frameworks to support global renewable energy goals.