Revolutionizing Solar Energy | The Rise of Vertical Floating PV Systems in Germany

Revolutionizing Solar Energy | The Rise of Vertical Floating PV Systems in Germany

Revolutionizing Solar Energy | The Rise of Vertical Floating PV Systems in Germany | with Innovative Mounting Systems

Introduction: 📃🖊️

In a groundbreaking move, Germany-based Sinn Power is gearing up to construct a 1.8 MW floating photovoltaic (PV) system featuring vertically installed solar modules. 

This innovative project is set to commence construction this summer, marking a significant stride in the realm of renewable energy.

The Challenge of Floating PV Installations in Germany: 🏄

While floating PV installations have started to gain traction in Germany, they remain relatively uncommon and predominantly small-scale. 

Regulatory restrictions, such as the German Renewable Energy Act (EEG), dictate that only up to 15% of a water surface can be covered with solar modules. 

Additionally, developers must adhere to minimum distance requirements from the shoreline, posing challenges that render many floating solar projects economically unviable.

Sinn Power's Solution: Vertical PV Systems: 🏞️

Undeterred by these challenges, Sinn Power has devised an ingenious solution to make large-scale floating PV projects feasible. 

The company plans to build what is touted as the world's first floating PV system with vertically oriented solar modules. 

This forward-thinking approach promises to unlock new possibilities for harnessing solar energy from artificial inland waters.

The Proposed Project in Gilching, Bavaria: 🛰

The ambitious project is slated to be constructed on a lake situated within a gravel pit in Gilching, Bavaria. 

While still in the planning phase, the endeavor has garnered strong support from regional stakeholders, including the regional agency gwt Starnberg GmbH, the Starnberg district office, and the municipality of Gilching.

Innovative Mounting Systems and Module Configuration: 🎡

Sinn Power will employ its patented "Floating-SKipp" mounting systems for the project, which will be strategically positioned in an east-west direction. 

The system will accommodate nearly 2,500 solar modules, with rows spaced approximately 3.90 meters apart. 

This configuration not only maximizes the utilization of available space but also ensures compliance with EEG requirements, making smaller bodies of water viable for floating PV installations.

Optimizing Solar Energy Production:🌟

The east-west orientation of the solar modules is designed to optimize electricity production, with peak generation during the morning and afternoon hours. 

The majority of the generated solar energy will be consumed onsite at the Gilching gravel plant, with any surplus energy fed back into the grid.

Stakeholder Perspectives:🚶

Gottfried Jais, the director of Kies- und Quetschwerk Jais, which operates the gravel pit, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This project is innovative and relatively easy to implement. 

It aligns perfectly with our production plant's operational needs, particularly during the sunniest months from March to December. 

We eagerly anticipate advancements in energy storage and conversion technologies to further enhance the project's efficiency.”

Conclusion:📑🖊️

Sinn Power's vertical floating PV system represents a game-changing approach to solar energy generation, overcoming regulatory constraints and unlocking new opportunities for harnessing renewable energy. 

By leveraging innovative mounting systems and module configurations, this pioneering project promises to reshape the landscape of floating PV installations, setting a precedent for sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

Content Image Source Courtesy

https://www.pv-magazine.com