As the demand for renewable energy continues to rise, floating solar projects have emerged as an innovative and efficient solution. However, these projects face unique challenges in the form of various forces that must be addressed to ensure optimal performance.
In this blog, we will explore the forces that impact floating solar projects and how AccuSolar, a leading provider of floating solar solutions, tackles these challenges through customized manufacturing processes. Our goal is to maximize efficiency and output while ensuring the reliability of floating solar arrays.
Wind Forces: Overcoming Challenges
When it comes to floating solar projects, wind forces play a significant role. Wind drag pushes the array across the surface, while uplift force affects panels angled to capture maximum sunlight. To combat these forces, AccuSolar utilizes access tracking that adjusts the tilt of the panels to zero degrees during high winds, minimizing the impact of uplift force. Moreover, our structural components on the aluminum framework are specifically designed to counteract anchoring resistance caused by wind forces. By incorporating these measures, AccuSolar ensures the stability and longevity of floating solar arrays, even in windy conditions. AccuSolar is designed to withstand up to 140 mph winds.
Wave Forces: Site Selection and Stability
Another crucial factor in floating solar projects is wave activity. Excessive wave action can pose risks to floating platforms and impact the overall performance of the system. AccuSolar emphasizes the importance of site selection, avoiding areas with high wave activity. Instead, we recommend installing floating platforms in inland reservoirs, retention ponds, non-recreational waters, and small lakes. By carefully considering forces resulting from waves during site selection, AccuSolar maximizes the stability and reliability of floating solar arrays.
Current Considerations: Maximizing Efficiency
In addition to wind and waves, currents present a unique challenge in floating solar projects. Understanding the influence of currents on floating arrays is crucial for optimizing efficiency. This differs from wind and wave as current is usually always in the same direction. AccuSolar employs various strategies to minimize the impact of currents on floating platforms. Our technological understanding of anchoring in current management ensures that the solar arrays maintain their position and maximize energy production. By mitigating the effects of currents, AccuSolar enhances the overall efficiency of floating solar projects. Also keep in mind that in retention ponds or hydro electric dams, in-take pumps will often simulate traditional current-like conditions.
Evaporation and Water Level Elevation Changes
With a vast variety of bodies of water suitable for floating solar, water level changes can adjust either drastically or slowly over time. In retention ponds or lakes – rain water and evaporation will affect the level of water and typically this will be a more gradual change and could be very different elevations depending on season or time of the year. Cooling ponds or hydroelectric dams where water is used regularly for various purposes, the water level may fluctuate several feet per day. Floating solar requires the entire system to stay stationary regardless of water level changes – thus requiring specific anchoring methods to allow for site conditions. AccuSolar works with Seaflex on every project to identify all these site conditions and design the proper anchoring layout. Our stronger aluminum framework allows for better anchoring connections to the floating solar array.
A Turn-Key Solution
Floating solar projects offer a promising avenue for clean energy generation. However, addressing the forces that impact these projects is crucial to ensure their efficiency and reliability. AccuSolar understands the significance of wind, wave, current, and elevation changes and incorporates customized manufacturing processes to combat these challenges.
By adjusting panel tilt during high winds, selecting suitable installation sites, implementing advanced current management techniques, and accommodating water level changes, AccuSolar maximizes the efficiency and output of floating solar arrays.
To learn more about our solutions and how we can assist you with your floating solar project, visit www.accusolar.com. Trust AccuSolar for innovative and reliable floating solar solutions.
