Solar’s New Twist: Floatovoltaics, Panels That Float On Water

A solar company in California is rolling out an upgraded version of an unusual solar panel –one that floats on water.

The product, called Floatovoltaics, is intended for reservoirs and irrigation ponds rather than the ocean, and uses the same kind of solar panels that can be mounted on the ground or a building’s roof. The innovation is in the engineering of a racking system and floating structure that can accommodate water rising and falling.

Source: Solar’s Forbes

Far Niente is the first to install a Floatovoltaic solar array--a solar system that floats on an irrigation pond. The system generates enough energy to offset the winery's annual power usage and provide a net-zero energy bill.