Comparative Design Analysis of a 1 MW Islanded and Non-Islanded Floating Solar Power System at Mangla Hydro Reservoir

Solar energy is increasingly recognised as an essential part of the global mission for the net zero goal, owing to its renewable nature and cost-effectiveness. In response to escalating power demands, private power operators and industrial investors seek ways to mitigate electricity costs. This study addresses a specific project: an industrial tender for a 1-megawatt hybrid floating solar power plant intended for a water purification industry in Pakistan. The sector has varying monthly load requirements based on product utilisation and aims to sell surplus energy back to the grid after meeting its operational demands. The choice of a floating solar power plant is driven by the prohibitively high land costs in the vicinity of the dam in Islamnagar, Azad Kashmir, coupled with the unfeasibility of meeting industrial water requirements at locations distant from the dam. This paper will conduct a comparative analysis of grid-connected and standalone options for this industry, focusing on performance metrics. The optimal system, characterised by high efficiency and minimal loss, will be selected for the solar plant design. This design will address aspects including load management, battery storage, and energy provision to the grid.