Floating-PV – an innovative approach to generating green electricity

High-efficiency PV systems on unused artificial bodies of water

Did you know that your artificial, underused bodies of water can generate green electricity and provide you with an attractive income? From disused lignite and sand pits to reservoirs, floating photovoltaic (PV) installations can make a contribution to the energy transition in Germany and defuse the land use conflict.

Why Floating-PV with BayWa r.e.?

With more than 30 years’ experience in the field of renewable energy and about 280 MWp of installed floating-PV, you will benefit from the extensive expertise of a globally active project developer. We have a close-knit network of suppliers and subcontractors, which enables us to deliver high quality projects at competitive prices.

Advantages for owners of bodies of water

Attractive rental income

you are assured of this income for at least 20 years.

No risk for you, no investment required

we cover all the costs and expenses.

Reduced water evaporation

by covering the water surface, less water evaporates. This is particularly relevant for hydro and pumped storage power plants.

Active contribution to the energy transition

green electricity is produced on the previously unused water surface – which is also good for the climate.

Our services

  • Planning and technical consulting

  • Reporting and analysis

  • Project development incl. procurement of all necessary permits

  • Procurement of components from proven partners

  • Turnkey construction

  • Financing

  • Direct marketing

  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs)

  • Operational and commercial management

Why floating-PV has the potential to drive the energy transition in Germany

Floating photovoltaic systems offer huge, as yet untapped potential for the energy transition in Germany. Floating-PV is an innovative approach to generating green solar power on artificial, unused water surfaces while avoiding land use conflicts.

MWp is the potential for Floating-PV in Germany by covering 10% of the artificial lakes suitable for Floating-PV, and taking all exclusion criteria into account (nature and countryside protection, recreational/leisure activities, etc.)

average German households can be supplied with power in this way with a neutral impact on the environment.

tons of CO2 can be saved each year with this solar energy production

An excerpt from our references

We can look back on a successful track record throughout Europe and Germany: For the family-owned company Quarzwerke GmbH at the Haltern am See site (3 MWp), we implemented one of the largest floating PV systems in Germany at the time. And with the floating solar plants in Uivermeertjes (29.8 MWp) and Sellingen (41.4 MWp), we continue to hold the record for the largest floating PV projects in Europe. Since the commissioning of our first floating pilot plant in 2018 Weperpolder in the Netherlands with 2.1 MWp, we have now successfully installed and connected to the grid floating PV systems with a total capacity of more than 280 MWp.

Our certified Floating-PV solution

Together with the renowned technology expert Zimmermann PV-Stahlbau GmbH, we developed a new substructure construction for floating solar installations after there was no floating-PV system on the market that met our requirements and standards. We have ideally complemented this with our VDE-certified electrical and mechanical system design. Learn more in the video.

In 2020 received the Innovation Award for our innovative total Floating-PV solution from pv magazine.

Floating-PV system for your water area: take the first step

Do you have an artificial, unused water area, e.g., disused lignite or sand pits, quarry ponds, artificial reservoirs, with a minimum size of around 50 ha?

We will be happy to check whether your water area is suitable, free of charge and without any obligation. Get in touch today!

Frequently asked questions about Floating PV

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