Aquavoltaic system for harvesting salt and electricity at the salt farm floor: Concept and field test

The concept and design of a photovoltaic system for harvesting salt and electricity at salt farm floor were proposed for the first time. Various concepts and designs were explored from the point of view of waterproofing, salt resistance, material and electrical safety, maintenance, and economic feasibility. Even though the concept and design are still evolving through field tests, the first-generation design of a photovoltaic system applied on the salt farm floor is unveiled. The power generation of the salt-farm parallel system is comparable to that of conventional solar power plants. The cooling effect by seawater contributes more to the increase in the crystalline silicon photovoltaic module performance than does the absorption loss due to seawater by maintaining a certain height above the module. •The concept of salt farm parallel solar power plant is proposed first time in the world.•Salt farm modules showed higher electricity generation than land installed modules.•Cooling effect by sea water plays a role enhancing electricity generation.•Power generation of salt farm system is comparable to conventional solar power plants.