*Solar Islands of Japan

As Japan tries to implement solar technology, suitable locations to build utility-scale solar power plants are decreasing. But, Japan also has an abundant number of reservoirs that are generally used for flood controls. Kyocera TCL Solar has begun construction of a 13.7 MW solar power plant on the waters of the Yamakura Dam. The joint venture between Kyocera and Century Tokyo Leasing Corporation will be the world’s largest floating power plant.

Kyocera has already installed floating installations on two other reservoirs near Kato City. These power plants produce a combined 2.9 MW of energy; enough for 920 households. The solar panels are installed on a floatation system that suspends the panels a few feet above the waters’ surface. Interestingly, the panels serve multiple purposes. Not only do they provide energy, they also prevent water loss due to evaporation. The proximity to the water also cools the panels, increasing the power they generate. The shaded pool also prevents algae growth. This parallels the shade balls used on the Los Angeles reservoir to conserve water, but with the added bonus that the pool is now generating power



*Floating Solar Around the World

Japan isn’t the only country flirting with the idea of floating solar panels. A big draw is the increased efficiency the panels have compared to roof or building mounted panels. The Jamestown project in Australia is the first floating solar system sponsored by Infratech. Unlike the reservoirs in Japan, these systems float the solar panels on pools within a wastewater facility. The solid support system that the photovoltaics are mounted on are coated to prevent corrosion.

The UK has shown an interest too, by repurposing the Walton-on-Thames’ Queen Elizabeth II reservoir with a 6.3 MW power plant. The 23,000-panel array powers a nearby water treatment plant that is the source of drinking water for London’s and southeast England. This floating solar array is the current record holder as the largest floating solar plant until Japan finishes the Yamakura Dam project; as here Kyocera plans on using over 50,000 solar panels.

Brazil has relied on hydroelectric energy to power three-quarters of the nation, but the country is currently suffering through a devastating drought. To stave off the energy crisis, Brazil is now looking to diversify its power grid and has announced pilot testing of floating solar power systems on the Balbina hydroelectric plant. A 10 MW system was put in place in March of 2016. Again, the shading effect of the solar panels reduces water loss due to evaporation, particularly poignant in a drought-ridden country.

www.mazinegroup.com

Nice

Did I See 13.7mw Of Solar Energy While Our National Power Generation Is Dangling Between 2.9 To 3 Mw Electricity. Its Well.