Technical
Where are the floats manufactured?
The floats supplied by Ciel & Terre are manufactured in France, the United States, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, India, and Taiwan. Indeed, to avoid CO2 impact and also transport costs, we always try to privilege a production as close as possible to the site. For large-scale projects, we can consider local manufacturing.
What is the efficiency of floating solar plants compared to ground-mounted photovoltaic plants?
Thanks to the proximity of water, a cooling effect can be expected which improves energy production. Indeed, studies have been conducted by research institutes with results that confirm this positive effect. For example, the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has observed a 3.2° to 14.5°C (37,8° to 58,1°F) lower temperature of the photovoltaic panels on floating photovoltaic installations compared to rooftop systems in Singapore, with an increase in yield of 5 to 10% (Discover the study).
Can we install your floating solar platform if there is a risk of flood ?
The risk of flood is not an issue if the project is located in an area protected from potential drifting obstacles such as trees. However, it is essential to communicate this risk of flood to ensure that it is considered in the design of the anchorage and that the floating photovoltaic power plant is maintained over time.
What happens in the event of a drought?
In dry conditions, the floats will rest on the bottom of the water body without being damaged. If the bottom of the water body is not flat or has obstacles (pipes, rocks…), the site may not be eligible because of the risk of damage to the floating system.
Can your floating solar system be installed in cold environments (frost and snow)?
Indeed, our floating PV system has been installed in regions such as Colorado, Massachusetts, Sweden and South Korea, which face extreme cold conditions.
What average capacity can be installed per acre?
In general, we can consider that 7.7 acres of floating photovoltaic plant can produce 10MWp (eq. 1 hectare for 1,3 MWp) on the water body. Besides, we have to consider a safety distance between the floating solar panels and the banks, which means that the maximum coverage rate of the water body is 65% on average.
1 acre = 0,4047 hectare
Is your floating photovoltaic system suitable for deployment on oceans or seas?
Our system can be installed in enclosed seas or lagoons where current, tide and waves are limited. However, our current system is not adapted to the extreme conditions of the offshore and deep sea.
In case of strong winds, how resistant is the floating photovoltaic system developed by Laketricity?
Our floating solar power plants are designed to withstand winds of up to 210 km/h (130 mph). In addition, we design our plants and their anchoring on a case-by-case basis with our customer, considering the specific site conditions. Besides, we have installed several floating solar power plants in cyclonic areas such as Florida, Japan and Taiwan. These plants are in operation and have proven their resistance to extreme weather conditions.
Is it possible to install a floating solar power plant on water with pollution signs?
A water quality analysis will be required to ensure that our floating photovoltaic systems can be safely installed on polluted water. In addition, we will check the safety of all electrical equipment in contact with the water.
Is it possible to install a floating solar power plant on salt water?
Yes, it is possible to install a floating solar power plant on salt water. The HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) used to manufacture the floats is fully compatible with saltwater environments. In addition, the metal parts used in the design of the power plant will be selected to resist salinity as well as for the photovoltaic panels and electrical equipment.
An appropriate Operation & Maintenance (O&M) plan, especially for electrical parts, will be carried out by our teams to match the needs of the site.
Is it possible to install a photovoltaic plant on drinking water reservoirs?
The floats supplied by our partner Ciel & Terre are made of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) which has a neutral impact on water.
The float systems comply with British Standard 6920:2000 (odor & flavor test for non-metallic material for use with drinking water), which proves that they are suitable to be used with water intended for human consumption.
Which water bodies are suitable for the installation of floating solar power plants?
Because we are committed to preserving our environment and deploying non-invasive solutions, we prefer artificial water bodies to install floating solar power plants. However, the installation of floating photovoltaic power plants is also possible on natural lakes by conducting the necessary impact studies.
The optimal conditions for water bodies are:
- A regular shape,
- Easy access by road for logistics,
- Enough space on the shoreline for construction and storage of floats during assembly,
- Proximity to the grid to facilitate project development.