Kyocera TCL Solar and Ciel et Terre has announced the beginning of construction of world’s largest floating solar installation.
Kyocera will develop a utility-scale floating solar power plants utilizing Ciel et Terre’s Hydrelio floating solar platforms in two installations, totaling 2.9 MW at Nishihira Pond and Higashihira Pond in Japan.
The 1.7MW plant planned at Nishihira Pond will become the world’s largest solar power generating system installed on water.
Kyocera and Century Tokyo Leasing jointly established Kyocera TCL Solar for the purpose of constructing multiple utility-scale solar power plants in Japan under the country’s feed-in-tariff system.
Since the company launch, it has constructed 28 solar power plants, of which 11 plants have begun operation.
Due to rapid solar power implementation, securing land for solar power plants is becoming more difficult in Japan. Kyocera TCL Solar will start the floating solar power generation business utilizing the country’s abundant water surfaces. There are many reservoirs throughout Japan for agricultural and flood-control purposes.
Kyocera TCL Solar plans to develop floating installations for reservoirs in the country totaling 60MW by the end of March 2015.
The installations will utilize floating solar platforms developed and patented by Ciel et Terre, which have a proven record of success during more than three years of operation in France.
Century Tokyo Leasing will provide finance and the Kyocera will undertake the supply of modules and related equipment in addition to construction, maintenance and operation.
Ciel et Terre will be responsible for the supply of floating solar platforms as well as technical input for installation on water.
This floating mega solar power plant can generate more electricity than ground-mount and rooftop systems and reduces reservoir evaporation and algae growth by shading the water.
In addition, Ciel et Terre’s floating platforms are recyclable, utilizing high-density polyethylene which can withstand ultraviolet rays and corrosion.
A strong design and installation technology are used for the floating platforms to ensure durability against typhoons.
Moreover, this will be world’s largest floating solar power plant in terms of output.