According to the International Solar Energy Society, floating solar panels could provide substantial amounts of energy in areas not experiencing waves larger than 20 feet nor winds stronger than 30 knots. Ports could play a crucial role in this nascent industry, for manufacturing, logistics and maintenance. Populations from Southeast Asia and West Africa would be more likely to have access to this solution. The panels could be located on inland lakes and reservoirs or in offshore protected areas without extensive and expensive engineering structures. However, the panels would be exposed to salt corrosion and marine fouling. It is believed that around 27 mi² of solar panels can provide energy to a million of people.
