Germany has officially commissioned what is being hailed as the world’s first vertical floating solar power plant, a pioneering project by German renewable technology developer SINN Power. Located at the Jais gravel pit in Bavaria’s Starnberg district, the innovative plant marks a significant advancement in harnessing solar energy from inland water bodies. The facility, which became operational on August 21 and was formally inaugurated recently, boasts an installed capacity of 1.87 megawatts (MW) and is projected to generate approximately 2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually.
Revolutionary Vertical Floating Solar Technology
The groundbreaking plant utilizes SINN Power’s patented SKipp system, which features solar modules installed vertically in an east-west orientation. Unlike traditional tilted solar panels that primarily maximize midday sun, this vertical alignment allows for more consistent electricity generation throughout the day, including enhanced output during morning and evening hours when demand is often high. The system positions bifacial solar panels, capable of capturing sunlight from both sides, separated by four-meter-wide open water corridors.
A crucial aspect of the design is the keel-like substructure that extends up to 1.6 meters below the water surface. This anchoring mechanism provides stability, allowing the system to adapt to wind loads and fluctuating water levels while remaining securely in place. The plant connects to the grid via a floating cable and a shore-based feed-in point.
Overcoming Regulatory and Land-Use Challenges
The vertical design and efficient use of space are particularly critical in Germany, where the Federal Water Resources Act (WHG) limits solar installations to a maximum of 15% of a water body’s surface area. This innovative plant covers only 4.65% of the lake’s surface, comfortably adhering to environmental regulations while achieving high energy density. This compact footprint makes such floating PV systems viable for smaller artificial inland waters, such as quarry lakes and gravel pits, which are abundant in Germany and Europe.
Economic and Environmental Advantages
The new vertical floating solar plant offers multiple benefits, demonstrating its potential as a scalable solution for renewable energy. During its initial operation, the facility significantly reduced the gravel pit’s reliance on grid electricity by nearly 60%, with projections to stabilize at 70%. This direct consumption of self-generated power enhances economic efficiency for industrial users.
Enhanced Energy Generation Profile
The east-west orientation of the panels is key to its “grid-friendly” output profile. By generating electricity more evenly across the day, it reduces peak production during midday, which can sometimes strain grids, and instead provides power during high-demand morning and evening periods. This distributed generation helps stabilize energy prices and can lessen the need for extensive energy storage solutions.
Ecological Benefits and Storm Resistance
Beyond energy production, the project has shown promising environmental advantages. Early monitoring results indicate no adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem; instead, improved water quality and new habitats for fish and waterfowl have been observed around the floating structures. The design also minimizes water surface coverage, preserving natural habitats.
Furthermore, the SKipp-Float system is engineered for notable storm resistance. The mounting structure allows modules to deflect under wind loads via a cable system, reducing wind resistance and providing significant stability against wave motion.
Future Outlook for Floating PV
The successful commissioning of this vertical floating solar power plant highlights Bavaria’s commitment to clean-tech innovation and serves as a blueprint for similar projects globally. SINN Power has already announced plans for a second 1.7 MW phase at the same location, which will keep the total coverage under 10% of the lake’s surface.
The technology’s suitability for artificial water bodies deeper than 1.6 meters and its potential for expansion to offshore applications position vertical floating PV as a promising solution for diversifying renewable energy sources. Experts suggest that floating PV technology, particularly in densely populated areas, holds immense potential for expanding solar power without consuming valuable land, tapping into a vast resource of unutilized water surfaces. This innovation could significantly contribute to sustainable energy transitions across Germany and beyond, transforming former industrial sites into hubs for green energy generation.
