Canada’s cold winters have traditionally made floating solar technology a difficult fit, but researchers in Ontario may have found a solution.
For many years, Canada's harsh winter climate has posed a significant obstacle to the adoption of floating solar technology. However, researchers in Ontario believe they have developed an approach that could overcome that long-standing limitation.
Scientists at Western University have designed and successfully tested a new floating solar platform created specifically to endure the formation of ice during Canadian winters. Their development has the potential to increase renewable electricity production across the country by enabling solar installations on lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and other water bodies.
Floating solar systems, often referred to as "floatovoltaics," consist of solar panels installed on buoyant structures that rest directly on the surface of the water.
The technology has gained growing acceptance in warmer parts of the world because it provides several key benefits.
One advantage is that it avoids occupying valuable land that could be used for other purposes.
Another benefit is that the cooling effect provided by the surrounding water can increase the operating efficiency of solar panels.
In addition, these systems can help limit water loss by reducing evaporation from reservoirs and ponds.
Although floating solar offers these advantages, its use in Canada has remained limited because of one critical issue: the formation of winter ice.
To address that challenge, the research project was led by postdoctoral researcher Koami Soulemane Hayibo.
During testing on a man-made pond in southwestern Ontario, the researchers mounted solar panels onto low-cost plastic foam platforms that floated on the water's surface.
To stop ice from forming around the installation, the team placed small underwater bubblers beneath the floating structure. Operating in a manner similar to aquarium aerators, these devices bring warmer water upward from below, keeping the water surface in motion and helping prevent ice from developing.
Because ice is kept from accumulating around the solar panels, the installation can continue producing electricity throughout the colder months of the year.
The research showed that the bubblers require a certain amount of electricity to operate, but their energy consumption is relatively minor when compared with the electricity generated by the solar panels.
According to the researchers' estimates, the total cost of the electricity produced by the floating system is comparable to that of many conventional solar installations operating in Canada.
The team is continuing to improve the technology by refining several aspects of the design.
These efforts include adjusting the angle of the solar panels to minimize snow accumulation.
Researchers are also examining whether the floating materials could release microplastics into the environment.
In addition, they are investigating further improvements that could make the overall system even more efficient.
If the technology ultimately demonstrates commercial viability, it could support deployment across a broad range of settings.
Potential installation sites include reservoirs.
They also include former mining locations.
Hydroelectric storage facilities are another possible application.
Agricultural ponds could also accommodate the technology.
Remote communities represent another potential use case.
Private ponds and recreational water features are also among the locations being considered.
The researchers further point out that floating solar installations can provide an environmental benefit by reducing water evaporation, helping conserve water resources.
As Canada continues to expand its portfolio of clean energy solutions, developments such as this illustrate how researchers are modifying renewable energy technologies to perform effectively under the country's distinctive climate conditions.
Although floating solar has already become widely used in many warmer parts of the world, the newly developed ice-resistant system could make the technology a realistic option for regions where snow and ice have previously restricted its adoption.
While the research remains at an early stage, the project demonstrates how Canadian innovation may help unlock additional renewable energy opportunities while making more effective use of the country's existing water resources.
Originally reported by Your South Shore on Jul 10, 2026.
