In the Jais gravel pit, located in the district of Starnberg, Bavaria, the German company SINN Power has proposed the first vertical floating solar power plant on the market, taking advantage of the region’s available resources and space.
The design of the vertical floating solar plant
The plant has an installed capacity of 1.87 megawatts and an estimated annual production of 2 gigawatt-hours(GWh). With a design based on patented SKipp technology, it orients the solar panels from east to west and leaves open water corridors between the rows of modules.
Moreover, the vertical arrangement improves solar gain during the first and last hours of the day, maintaining a more stable production compared to current systems.
Despite covering only 4.65 % of the lake’s surface area, the installation has managed to reduce the gravel pit’s energy consumption by 60 % during its initial phase. In this way, it is able to achieve a 70 % reduction as production stabilizes.
The submerged substructure allows dynamic adaptation to wind and water level variations, while the system complies with German water regulations by staying below the 15 % coverage limit.
This system is designed to be connected to the power grid by means of a floating cable cable that carries the power to the mainland. This solution is suitable for artificial bodies of water deeper than 1.6 meters, such as gravel pits or quarries. In addition, its generation profile is compatible with regional grid stability, making it a viable option for high energy users.
A second phase of the project is planned to start with another 1.7 MW, keeping the percentage of surface area covered below 10 %. According to SINN Power, the system has proven to have no negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. In fact, early records indicate an improvement in water quality and the emergence of habitats for breeding fish and waterfowl.
This modular design of the platform also allows its application in marine environments. The company plans to implement this technology offshore, extending the potential of vertical floating photovoltaics into new production scenarios.
The opening ceremony was attended by figures from the Bavarian government and the energy sector. Among them were Markus Söder, Minister-President of Bavaria, and Hubert Aiwanger, Deputy Minister-President and Head of Economic Affairs. This institutional backing and the participation of regional companies such as Bayernwerk AG and BIV Building Materials reflect a strategic commitment to sustainable and scalable models.
Source and photo: SINN Power
