Water-surface photovoltaics: Performance, utilization, and interactions with water eco-environment

Water-surface photovoltaics (WSPVs) represent an emerging power-generation technology utilizing idle water and solar energy. Owing to their significant advantages and development potential, the use of WSPVs has increased rapidly in recent years. Many studies have been conducted on WSPVs, and they have been assessed from different perspectives. In addition to the comprehensive characteristics of WSPVs, the adaptive utilization of WSPVs has been analyzed, as well as the influence of WSPVs on water eco-environment. In this paper, the development of WSPVs is reviewed, and the achievements related to WSPVs in the past decade are comprehensively analyzed from different viewpoints. Additionally, a new classification method for WSPVs is proposed. Furthermore, challenges and future developments of WSPVs are discussed. This review provides an understanding of the current status and development trends of WSPVs and a valuable reference for the follow-up research. • A classification method for WSPVs is proposed. • The power-generation capacity and comprehensive performance of WSPVs are analyzed. • The operation and utilization of WSPVs are investigated. • The influence of WSPVs on water eco-environment is examined. • Crucial challenges and findings related to WSPVs are discussed.