Ever notice the sun beating down on your shoulders as you’re waiting for a set to appear on the horizon (or floating in a swimming pool)? Absorbing a few rays while bobbing around in a body of water is pretty much inseparable from the experience. Why not take the concept of connecting with solar energy while buoyed and expand it – create renewable energy from a water based solar farm?

Many countries are doing just that, developing floating solar power plants. While the United States, Japan, UK, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and others have operations in the works, China is clearly the stand-out. China just established the largest floating solar power plant in the world and connected it to their grid. The 40 megawatt photovoltaic (PV) operation is set up in a lake in Huainan in the Anhui province.

There are a few benefits to harnessing solar power through this method as opposed to gathering solar energy on land. By placing solar power cells on bodies of water, valuable land and real estate is spared from further energy related development. Also, solar power cells are generally cooler in water, allowing them to function at optimum levels.

Obviously, floating solar power plants are not enough to solve the world’s energy crisis and stop climate change. They are, however, a viable addition to a building repertoire of clean energy options that can contribute to a more sustainable way of life.

sources and links:

Featured photo from: “China Activates World’s Largest Floating Solar Power Plant.” CleanTechnica. N.p., 26 May 2017. Web. 31 May 2017.

“World’s Largest Floating Solar Facility Operational.” The Maritime Executive. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2017.