The development of floating solar plants It has become established as a real alternative for increasing clean energy generation. This type of infrastructure, based on the installation of photovoltaic panels on water surfaces such as lakes, reservoirs, or gravel pits, drives the energy transition and allows us to take advantage of previously underutilized spaces, while avoiding occupying land intended for agriculture or construction.
In recent years, large-scale projects in different regions of the worldEurope, South America, and Asia are pioneers in adopting this innovative approach. Technological advancement and institutional support have overcome many of the initial barriers, although challenges related to investment and environmental integration remain.
Large floating solar plants: recent examples
In France, the Les Ilots Blandin floating solar plant, located in Haute-Marne, has become the largest capacity facility in Europe in this category, reaching 74,3 MWpThis project, driven by Q Energy and Velto Renewables, incorporates more than 135.000 paneles distributed over 127 hectares of old gravel pits, also adding a small 2 MW land-based array to optimize the system's overall production. Construction management has required a very close collaboration between administrations, developers, and financial institutions, securing more than €50 million in targeted financing. The project also stands out for the involvement of companies specializing in floating structures, electrical components, and grid connections.
In Brazil, the UFV floating solar plant Veredas Sol y Lares on the PCH Santa Marta lake, in the state of Minas Gerais. This initiative, with an installed capacity of 1,2 MWp, has involved the installation of more than 3.000 modules over an area of ​​11.000 square meters of water, with 7.600 floats and 60 kilometers of cabling. The electricity generated supplies more than a thousand families in several nearby towns, reinforcing the commitment to distributed generationThe project is part of a research and development program with the participation of environmental associations and energy sector companies.
Potential and expansion of floating solar energy
In Switzerland, the first high-altitude floating solar power plant began operating on Lac des Toules, 1.810 meters above sea level. Although initial performance fell short of expectations, the pilot experience has allowed for planning future expansions and demonstrating the technology's resilience to extreme weather conditions. In Switzerland, authorities and energy sector entities have identified a high potential in reservoirs and storage basins, although compatibility with recreational uses, boating and other water activities remains a key consideration in planning new projects.
The phenomenon is not limited to Europe. In Peru, a company specializing in solar installations is currently developing a floating solar plant in an agricultural reservoir in the north of the country. This project, carried out in partnership with a company specializing in floating structures, foresees an investment of over one million dollars and signals an emerging trend in the Andean region to take advantage of available water resources. The promoting company seeks to install at least 5 MW in floating and traditional systems in the short term, as well as lay the foundations for expansions greater than 20 MW in the coming years.
Advantages and challenges of floating solar plants
Solar generation technology on water has notable advantages: reduces evaporation in reservoirs, improves the efficiency of the modules thanks to the natural cooling of the water and mitigates the impact on valuable surfaces for other uses. It also facilitates integration with existing hydraulic infrastructure, such as dams and artificial lakes. Reduce pressure on productive lands and limiting potential conflicts between energy and agricultural production are additional benefits.
But there are also important challenges: high initial costs, the need to adapt structures to the specific conditions of each site, and appropriate environmental management to avoid impacts on biodiversity. financing and institutional support are essential to the success of these installations, especially in regions where this technology is still under development.
Future of the sector and trends
The expansion of floating solar plants continues, driven by the growing demand for renewable energy and the support of public policies and international collaborations. The examples of France, Brazil, Switzerland, and Peru demonstrate the variety of applications, their adaptation to different contexts, and the search for innovative solutions to address global energy challenges.
The sector is perfecting materials, anchoring techniques and monitoring systems, and both installed capacity and the number of countries investing in this technology are projected to increase in the coming years. Floating solar plants, combined with other forms of distributed generation and storage systems, are emerging as key elements in the diversification of the energy mix and in the reduction of emissions.
The rise of floating solar plants It demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can offer effective solutions to climate change and sustainable resource management. Although they still face considerable challenges, the accumulated experience and growing interest from operators, investors, and policymakers predict solid and sustained development in the coming years.
