Floating Solar Panels Open Up New Potential

In Napa Valley, California, land is at a premium. Startup solar companies saw potential in underused bodies of water and developed floating solar panel arrays to meet the need.

1 minute read

April 20, 2011, 12:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur

The New York Times visits Far Niente Winery, where 994 solar panels cover a pond:

"The company that installed the two arrays, SPG Solar of Novato, Calif., as well as Sunengy of Australia and Solaris Synergy of Israel, are among the companies trying to develop a market for solar panels on agricultural and mining ponds, hydroelectric reservoirs and canals. While it is a niche market, it is potentially a large one globally. The solar panel aqua farms have drawn interest from municipal water agencies, farmers and mining companies enticed by the prospect of finding a new use for - and new revenue from - their liquid assets, solar executives said."

SPG Solar calls their system "Floatovoltaics."

FULL STORY: Solar on the Water

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 in The New York Times

Energy United States Solar Power Floating Solar

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