Reservoir used to generate solar power
Creglingen, 04.07.2017 – WINAICO’s partner, East Green Energy Ltd. from UK, installed 192 WINAICO solar modules WST-260P6 on a floating solar system. The 50 kWp solar plant, which will generate over 43.500 kWh annually, is installed on a reservoir in Norfolk and is the first floating solar system in the East of England. This part of the country has a wealth of lakes and reservoirs on farms. A floating PV solar system not only generates an income from these untapped resources, but the green power generated on site can also be used to run irrigation pumps.
“Solar PV is frequently in the news and headlines, but what is not well-known is that solar PV systems are ideal to float on lakes and reservoirs. We only use components of excellent quality, which makes it a reliable investment. The WINAICO modules can withstand winds of up to 118 mph so we are well suited to large exposed sites. As well as this, the system works with changes in water levels of up to 20 ft”, says Linda Grave, Managing Director of East Green Energy.
According to East Green Energy, the floating solar system provides all the advantages of a ground or roof mounted PV array, although, being more efficient, requires fewer panels for the same output. Furthermore valuable land is kept free for crop growing. The panels are cooled by the surrounding water, which results in improved power production performance. The shade from the panels provided significantly reduces surface evaporation saving thousands of litres of water each year as well as reducing algae growth.
