Construction of two utility-scale floating solar platforms, including what the developers claim will be the world's largest output solar power generating system installed on water are due to start construction in Japan in September 2014.
Kyocera Corporation, Century Tokyo Leasing Corporation and Ciel et Terre International are planning to build the facilities at Nishihira Pond (1.7 MW) and Higashihira Pond (1.2MW) in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan .
Century Tokyo Leasing will provide finance for the installations, and the Kyocera Group will undertake the supply of 11 256 solar modules (255 W) and related equipment in addition to construction, maintenance and operation. Ciel et Terre will be responsible for the supply of its Hydrelio© floating solar platforms, and will also offer technical input for installing the systems on water.
Due to the rapid implementation of solar power, securing tracts of land suitable for utility-scale solar power plants is becoming more difficult in Japan, says Kyocera, which aims to develop 60 MW of floating solar installations for reservoirs in Japan by the end of March 2015.
The floating solar installations at Nishihira Pond and Higashihira Pond are expected to being operations in April 2015, says Kyocera. Electricity generated will be sold to the local utility through Japan's feed-in-tariff system.
Photo: Diagram of Ciel et Terre's floating platform. (Graphic: Business Wire)
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