We offer products, solutions, and services across the entire solar energy value chain. We support our customers on their way to a more sustainable future – no matter how far along the journey to energize society with affordable energy systems.
Why Floating Solar?
Floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) installations open up new opportunities for scaling up solar generating capacity, especially in countries with high population density and competing uses for available land. They have certain advantages over land-based systems, including utilization of existing electricity transmission infrastructure at hydropower sites, close proximity to demand centers (in the case of water supply reservoirs), and improved energy yield thanks to the cooling effects of water and the decreased presence of dust. The exact magnitude of these performance advantages has yet to be confirmed by larger installations, across multiple geographies, and over time, but in many cases they may outweigh any increase in capital cost.
The possibility of adding FPV capacity to existing hydropower plants is of particular interest, especially in the case of large hydropower sites that can be flexibly operated. The solar capacity can be used to boost the energy yield of such assets and may also help to manage periods of low water availability by allowing the hydropower plant to operate in “peaking” rather than “baseload” mode. And the benefits go both ways: hydropower can smooth variable solar output by operating in a “load-following” mode.
The general layout of an FPV system is similar to that of a land-based PV system, other than the fact that the PV arrays and often the inverters are mounted on a floating platform. The direct current (DC) electricity generated by PV modules is gathered by combiner boxes and converted to alternating current (AC) by inverters. For small-scale floating plants close to shore, it is possible to place the inverters on land that is, just a short distance from the array. Otherwise, both central or string inverters on specially designed floats are typically used. The platform, together with its anchoring and mooring system, is an integral part of any FPV installation.
The floating platform can generally be anchored to a bank, to the bottom, to piles, or to a combination of the three. The developer selects a design suitable to the platform’s location, bathymetry (water profile and depth), soil conditions, and variation in water level. Bank anchoring is particularly suitable for small and shallow ponds, but most floating installations are anchored to the bottom. Regardless of the method, the anchor needs to be designed so as to keep the installation in place for 25 years or more. Mooring lines need to be properly selected to accommodate ambient stresses and variations in water level.
How It Works?!
The AQVASOLAR modular float system is comprised of two floats, a walkway and a dedicated solar float for each photovoltaic panel. The floats are connected together via overlapping interlocking tabs on the corners of each float, they are secured with bolts to form the array and can be specified in the shape required. A pre-formed concrete block is used as the anchoring point for each flexible tether connected to the array.
The AQVAFLEX modular elastic tether is used to secure the array to the anchor and provide constant tension. This method secures the array in situ and allows vertical movement with the rise and fall of water levels, while preventing horizontal movement. The AQVASOLAR and AQVAFLEX system is designed to withstand 70m/s wind loads to the array.
Key Benefits
Why Us!
The group manufacturers a complete range of solar mounting products, battery storage systems and hybrid inverters. Our EPC Division provides in-house engineering, construction and project management expertise, while our finance team offer innovative project financing and leasing options.
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Discover Independence Through The Power Of Solar Energy!
We offer products, solutions, and services across the entire energy value chain. We support our customers on their way to a more sustainable future – no matter how far along the journey to energize society with affordable energy systems.
- Reliability & Performance
- Energy Storage Solutions
- In-time Manufacturing
- Integrated Solutions
- Build, Own & Operate
- Equipment Leasing
- Operation & Maintenance
- Capacity Firming (kW, MW)
- Off-Peak/Peak Time Shifting
- Frequency Response
- Ancillary Services
- Ramp Rate Control
- Generator Black-Start
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