floating vertical solar panels capture sun's energy from ponds, lakes, fish farms and lagoons

"SINN Power creates floating vertical solar panels named SKipp to harness the energy from sunlight directly on ponds, lakes, fish farms, lagoons, and other water bodies. Recently, the team has produced and planted a series of solar panels in a gravel pond in Bavaria, Germany, specifically in Gilching, near Munich. The company says that the project can produce an energy output that meets around 70 percent of the gravel plant's annual electricity demand, making the operation mostly self-sufficient in energy."

"These solar panels are mounted vertically on hollow plastic barrels that allow them to float on the pond and to tilt back and forth without actually falling. When wind pressure increases, the modules can tilt backward and then return to their original position when the wind drops. The design makes sure that the structure is away from any mechanical stress and damage while keeping the modules stable on the water. The flexible motion also helps manage the system during harsh weather conditions."

"The vertical orientation also means that snow can slide off naturally, preventing buildup that could block sunlight. Each SKipp unit has bifacial modules, which generate power from both sides of the solar panel: the front captures direct sunlight, while the back collects reflected light from the water surface, allowing for sunlight harnessing regardless of the rays' positions. all images courtesy of SINN Power"

SKipp floating vertical photovoltaic units were deployed in a gravel pond in Gilching near Munich to harness sunlight on water bodies. Units are mounted vertically on hollow plastic barrels that allow flotation and controlled tilting to withstand wind, prevent mechanical stress, and manage harsh weather and snow. Each module is bifacial, capturing direct sunlight on the front and reflected light from the water on the back, increasing energy yield. Shore anchoring creates modular installations for ponds, lakes, fish farms, and lagoons. The Bavarian installation can supply about 70% of the plant's annual electricity and cut roughly 934 tons of CO2 yearly.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine