Japanese giant Kyocera said it is cooperating with Ciel et Terre to create what it claims will be the world’s largest floating solar panel power plant.
Kyocera, which makes ceramic knives as well as solar panels and a heap of other kit, said construction will start this month on two installations on lakes in Japan. One planned for Nishihira Pond will generate 1.7MW while the other at Higashihira Pond will churn out 1.2MW.
The companies have turned to floating installations because of shortage of space on terra firma in Japan. But there are many reservoirs throughout the country which can be used for floating power plants.
The floating solar platforms were developed and patented by French company Ciel et Terre.
Plants on water have the advantage that they generate more juice than ground mounted and rooftop systems because they are cooled by water. They also have the benefit of reducing reservoir evaporation and preventing algae growth. The platforms are recyclable and the floating platforms are designed to withstand typhoons.
