Kelseyville County Waterworks District #3 will now host California’s first floating solar power system. The innovative new design, announced by its producer, Ciel & Terre USA, will consist of a new 252 kW floating photovoltaic power system which will produce up to 1,650 kWh a year. The 720 panels will float on a local water treatment pond and were financed by a municipal fund.
The new system revolutionizes solar power as it does not require land area to be devoted to solar power, a constraint which discourages many water districts and agricultural producers from adopting solar panels. Additionally, the panels help prevent water evaporation, controls algae growth, and helps reduce water bank erosion.
Floating solar power systems are expected to rise in popularity in the near future, especially in light of the state of California’s commitment to produce carbon-free electricity by 2045.
Check out the link below to learn more about the project and its potential applications for the future of solar energy.
