Ecoplant works with its design teams on new technology but is also concerned with the efficiency and appearance of the energy solution.
There is no arguing about taste, and the issue is proving recalcitrant. Without question, putting solar panels everywhere will raise a lot of headwinds. Not in my backyard it would be. A listening ear and an eye for innovation will offer new solutions. Of course, we also like to see our Ecoplants at companies. If, as a sustainable company, you really want to show what drives you. Solar, charging station, battery storage and many other functions, all in one.
Your company will certainly stand out positively!
Solar on water
‘The potential is great. There is plenty of water! However, the technology is still under development. We do not yet know enough about the impact on biodiversity and nature in general. Large areas of water are often close to or within Natura 2000 areas, or are used for shipping, for example; regulations and permits are complicating factors. Current sites tend to be places where all that is not as much of an issue, such as sand excavations (industrial water). There is still relatively little being realized relative to the total potential.’
Misconceptions?
‘An example of a logical-looking but incorrect assumption is that reflection of light on water greatly increases the capacity of systems. In reality, this is not true; the light is mostly absorbed by the water. The dynamic effect of the water surfaces onto systems is also underestimated. Waves often cause the orientation of solar panels to be unstable, and the load on the floating system is severely underestimated. The cooling effect of the water does usually have a considerable positive effect on the business case; it may increase the yield by about 2 percent.’ Directly opposite to that is the tarnishing of the solar blades. The local heron and stork colonies see a nice disposal site and create a permanently required cleaning of the floating panels. There is no option not to have them cleaned and this would immediately cost 10% of the solar yield.
So anyway, back to maintenance by boat. Water and electricity is not an easy match.
How to accelerate the roll-out of solar?
It is a slow process regardless. It takes time to build up a sufficient amount of knowledge and practical experience. But investing more into research and pilot projects helps. The beautiful thing about solar on water is also that it can increasingly become part of integrated projects in which, for example, recreation and nature development can also be included. This will also lead to greater awareness and acceptance. At the same time; with the Regional Energy Strategies (RESs), provinces and municipalities now have a distinct executive role in the energy transition. The functional use of space is often an important issue in this regard.
Could solar also power more functions?
We are considering safe LFP battery storage, charging stations, lighting security and communication.
So it’s not just a solar panel it’s an extremely practical response to numerous uses and therefore extremely sustainable again.
Parking and solar
This may seem like a no brainer but once again a lot of infrastructure will be required. The yield will also prove relatively low because of the small car port area in terms of depth.
On these locations there is no discussion about biodiversity or landscape degradation and it is a beautiful way to bring supply and demand closer together in an urban environment.
While the combination with the charging of electric cars is interesting, the amount of power converted from a solar park deck to the parked car will be low because the car will be parked for a relatively short time.
On balancing this, grid connection (for power supply) or battery storage will be needed again.
New innovations for the energy transition.
From our point of view, there is still plenty of opportunity for solar on industrial rooftops. In particular, during the day when the sun shines, the use of solar panels will provide an excellent yield and will require little additional grid. Large-scale solar farms do not only encounter societal objections but are also an eyesore aesthetically. The same applies to wooden constructions on which the panels are placed. And it is of no coincidence that the University of Technology in Delft put the topic of sustainable energy aesthetics on their agenda last year. Solar carports may not seem obvious. Beautiful new techniques are emerging such as solar fencing and street solar. In this latter, solar is incorporated into the road. We call this ‘functional solar’.
For more information about Ecoplant Suntracing Solar System you can visit our web homepage or contact us!