Floating Solar: A renewable energy option for a sustainable future

By Veli Markovic and Andrei Sablinskis, Greenwood Solutions

As prominent players in Victoria’s horticultural sector and Renewable Energy sectors respectively, Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) and Greenwood Solutions are at the forefront of exploring innovative and sustainable practices.

One such initiative is the use of floating solar panels, or “floatovoltaics”

Currently, one of these 350kW+ floating arrays is in use at a Victorian wastewater treatment plant, addressing the considerable electrical loads the site experiences. The array was designed and installed by Greenwood Solutions, an in-house renewables company based in Abbotsford, Victoria.

The system, consisting of over 780 Canadian solar panels tethered to concrete blocks surrounding the Array, is attracting a lot of attention not only from interested renewable enthusiasts, but also the abundant bird life attracted to these sites.

West Gippsland’s Lardner Park is another site which has adopted an innovative approach. Greenwood have designed a 50kW floating solar panel system that will sit very nicely on a body of water situated in this beautiful part of Victoria.

This will be another exciting demonstration of the potential of floatovoltaics, a concept that promises to revolutionise the way we harness solar energy on farms, or in businesses that have access to a dam or lake.

Why floating solar panels? The reasons are numerous:

» They allow for the utilisation of bodies of water, a resource often overlooked in energy production.

» They create an opportunity for businesses to maximise profitability without sacrificing precious land that could be better used.

» Floating solar panels provide evaporative benefits, lessening the amount of sunlight hitting the water, and thus reducing evaporation.

» The natural cooling effect of the water results in a more efficient solar system as it helps to manage the temperature of the panels, thereby increasing their efficiency.

Many businesses who are involved in turf and greenlife production, as well as retail nurseries, could potentially benefit from adopting such renewable energy solutions.

Additionally, businesses involved in horticulture-allied trades, educational institutions, and other not-for-profit organisations, including governmentaligned green enterprises, could further the reach and impact of this technology through their respective networks and platforms.

One of the challenges currently facing the adoption of floating solar technology is the cost. The initial cost of floating solar panels can be higher than conventional rooftop systems. However, the potential benefits and long-term savings could offset these upfront costs. For small dams, the entire water body could be covered with panels, held in place by tethers on the bank, eliminating the need to enter the water. This is a particularly ideal solution for wastewater treatment lagoons, which often lack the land or roof space for traditional solar installations. The journey towards the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies like floating solar is not without challenges. But we believe that as more farms and agricultural enterprises see the benefits of these systems – both economic and environmental – adoption will increase, leading to a greener and more sustainable horticulture sector.

We at Greenwood want to affirm our commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Victoria’s horticulture industry. Victoria’s future is not just bright; it’s solar-powered.