Page 40 - SunTalk December 2020

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

German floating PV plant supplied

by Suntech works better

than expected

Recently, Germany’s largest floating PV power plant supplied by Suntech generated
far more solar power than expected. After one year’s stable operation, the power plant
has been able to reduce its electricity bill 10% for Gravel Company Ossola.

Back in July 2019, the high-efficiency PV modules of 750 kW
supplied by Suntech were installed on the surface of lake
Baggersee Maiwald in Renchen in southern Germany. Until
now, the power plant is still the largest floating PV power
plant in Germany. According to the project developer Erdgas
Südwest, 2300 pieces of modules on the lake generated a
total of 860 MWh of solar energy in the first year, exceeding
the expected 800 MWh. Ossola, a 100-year-old gravel plant
operator, uses around 75% of the electricity and reduces the “It was the right decision to invest in the project. By using the
electricity cost by 10%. Another third of the remaining power green electricity produced by the floating power plant, we have
is fed into the public electrical grid and distributed directly by reduced our electricity cost. Meanwhile, using existing quarry
project partner Erdgas Südwest.
ponds for floating power plants is protecting our environment
The floating power plant experienced extreme weather in through a different approach”, said gravel plant operator Armin Compared with traditional PV power plants, floating power plants not only save land resources but also reduce water evaporation. The
February this year, with all Suntech modules remaining intact Ossola, who spent about 1 million euros on the project. “We cooling effect of water bodies on PV modules and cables can also significantly enhance the efficiency of power generation. Boris Heller,
through the storm. Suntech modules of IP68 waterproof found Suntech through Erdgas Südwest. As a trusted PV brand, the director for project development of the German gas company Erdgas Südwest, said: “After this successful attempt, we continued our
ratings are also fully qualified for the requirements of
continuous power generation while floating, and the stable, Suntech has a good reputation in the German market, investigation on floating power plant projects in recent months, and developed more areas suitable for building floating power stations. In
reliable and efficient performance of power generation has producing PV modules not only with better conversion efficiency the future, we hope to strengthen cooperation in this respect and further promote the adjustment of industry structure in traditional
been highly praised by the customers. but also reliable quality.” German industrial cities.”

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