DNV aims to achieve FPV-specific reference standards for floating solar PV
DNV is spearheading two joint industry projects that aim to develop reference standards for the design, development, and operation of floating PV systems. Such standards are still largely lacking, potentially leading to delays and obstacles in permitting and authorization.
Floating PV for unused swimming pools
Ciel & Terre Japan has deployed a floating solar plant on the swimming pool of a school on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Local developer ELM says the project could be extended to more than 6,000 facilities across the country.
Trimaran-shaped floating PV system design from Spain
The proposed system architecture is claimed to offer more stability compared to conventional floating structures and reduces by up to 93% the contact area of the system with the water. The first system prototype was recently developed on a water reservoir in Alava, in the northeastern territory of the Basque Country.
Malaysia’s water reservoir to host 150 MW floating solar plant
The floating facility will be built by Japan’s Shizen Energy and will sell power under unspecified conditions to local utility Syarikat Air Melaka Bhd (SAMB).
Winners, prices of Portugal’s record-breaking auction for floating PV
EDPR, Finerge, Voltalia and Endesa were among the winners of Portugal’s latest renewables procurement exercise, in which 163 MW of floating PV capacity was allocated.
Lightweight solar for agricultural water reservoirs
The Genap Energy Cover uses HyET Solar Powerfoil thin-film solar modules, rated at 12.0% efficiency, for agricultural water storage and reservoirs, with an initial focus on the greenhouse and horticulture markets in the Netherlands. Genap said a 12kWp test setup had a generation density of 60W/m2, rising to 120W/m2 within a year, with an eventual target of 165W/m2.
EDP wins project with negative bid in Portugal’s 263MW floating PV tender
Portuguese utility EDP has won the largest project in Portugal’s latest procurement exercise. It has agreed to pay –€4(–$4.39)/MWh for a 15-year contract, but with a 30-year grid connection for the floating array and other renewables projects.
NTPC commissions 22MW floating solar plant in India
NTPC has switched on 22MW of floating PV capacity as part of its 92MW floating solar project at Rajiv Gandhi Gas based Power Station in Kayamkulam, in the Indian state of Kerala.
Floating solar-plus-hydroelectric project planned on Indian dam
Renewable energy developers have until April 25 to lodge interest in developing a hybrid facility combining 1.5MW of hydroelectric generation capacity and 100MW of floating solar in the state of Maharashtra.
Submersing modular raft for floating photovoltaics
Developed by a Dutch consortium, the Hide and Shine Floating Solar (HAS FPV) technology is claimed to be extremely resistant to storms and harsh weather conditions. The modules can be submerged totally or partially and, in case of a severe storm, they can be submerged up to two meters below the surface.
