Development of Floating Solar Photovoltaics in Greece. A PESTEL Analysis

Floating solar photovoltaic systems is an emerging solar energy technology which allows the installation of solar photovoltaic systems on the surface of water bodies instead on the ground and on rooftop of buildings. The technology has several advantages and drawbacks compared to conventional ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems. There are several floating photovoltaics installed worldwide while the majority of them are located in Asia. Greece has abundant solar energy resources while many solar photovoltaic systems are installed on the ground and on rooftop of buildings with total nominal power at 9,690 MW_p in 2024. Nowadays there are no installations of solar photovoltaics on the surface of water bodies in Greece. Political, economic, social, technological, environmental and social analysis is a strategic management tool which helps organizations to assess the impacts of external factors in their future development.  The current study investigates the possibility of deploying floating solar photovoltaic systems in Greece using the abovementioned analysis. The political, economic, social, technological, environmental and social factors affecting their development have been analyzed. Our results could facilitate the promotion of this emerging benign energy technology in the country. The findings could be useful to policy makers, local authorities, water management authorities and solar energy companies which are involved in the development of renewable energy systems generating green electricity in the country.