Aquasol Solar assists growers in making their energy supply more sustainable through a unique approach - by installing solar panels on water basins, an approach that enables growers to generate electricity while also improving water quality. To achieve this, Aquasol Solar collaborates with key partners—Profloating, Genap, and AIKO Solar—each providing essential components of the complete system.
Wim Nowé from Profloating
Floating system for solar panels
Floating solar panels are an excellent solution for generating energy when there is no available roof or land space, but water is present. In the Netherlands, this is more common than expected, as there are many water surfaces without specific uses, including rivers, canals, and recreational lakes. Installing solar panels on a water basin not only generates energy but also prevents algae growth and reduces water evaporation, an investment that offers double benefits, according to Wim Nowé, Managing Director at Profloating.
Since 2018, Profloating has provided a floating system called Flotar for a variety of water applications, including reservoirs, water basins, sand excavations, and coal mines. According to Wim Nowé, the Flotar system has been tested for seven years in projects like K3 Delta and Middenmeer, demonstrating its ability to withstand challenging conditions such as high waves, significant water level changes, and strong winds. Profloating prioritizes sustainability, ensuring both energy efficiency and a long lifespan for the Flotar system.
Flexibility for stability
The design begins at the foundation: positioning the panels as close to the water as possible ensures maximum cooling and minimizes wind resistance. Each panel is supported by its own float to prevent any movement within the system from causing deformation or damage. Additionally, the connections are secured with screws to ensure they remain tightly fastened and never come loose.
The system is designed with flexibility to handle uneven forces from wind, waves, snow, and maintenance activities. Without this flexibility, movements in the system could lead to loose connections that fail over time. While others may mistake flexibility for instability, Profloating demonstrates that intentional flexibility leads to enhanced durability and optimal performance.
In the agricultural sector, Profloating collaborates closely with Aquasol Solar, a developer and turnkey implementer. Their partnership, bolstered by a strong track record with water basins, has led to the successful completion of over 30 projects together.
Slope anchor cloth combination for floating solar panels
Genap B.V. has been a leader in water storage and tank foils since 1951, consistently creating innovative solutions for the agricultural sector. One of their latest developments, made in partnership with Aquasol Solar B.V., is the integrated slope anchor cloth designed specifically for floating solar energy systems. Chrétien Hendriks provides further details about this advancement.
The system merges the conventional slope cloth with an anchoring fabric, creating a strong and long-lasting solution for securing floating solar panels to water basins. This integrated anchor system is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and maintain the stability of the solar panels. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in projects involving over 25,000 panels in the Noordoostpolder.
Chrétien explains that their anchor system can easily withstand the heaviest wind loads (wind class 1) and keeps the solar panels stable on water, regardless of the solar island's size or the basin. "This durability was demonstrated during severe storms in the polder, enduring wind gusts up to 140 km/h. Also, it means that the system is designed for easy installation on existing full water basins, so gardeners don't need to adjust their water levels."
Approved by the insurer
Chrétien highlights that the anchoring system's calculations are so robust that it was the first to receive approval from insurers. "It has now become the leading standard in horticulture, with anchoring using anchor lines seen as less reliable," he notes. "I also notice that other market players are attempting to replicate this design."
For embankment anchoring, the system utilizes high-quality, durable materials designed for longevity. Chrétien mentions the use of extra strong PP strap fabric, a unique stitching technique, specialized stitching material, and stainless steel components. These choices ensure that all parts are wear-resistant and have a lifespan that matches the solar system itself. "The system also provides gardeners with typical benefits such as protecting the basin liner, reducing algae growth and evaporation, and efficiently utilizing space by combining water storage with energy generation."
Genap's expertise in water storage systems and horticultural foil materials, like Genatex and Aquatex, is essential to the success of this innovative system. "By incorporating high-quality materials and carefully planned designs, Genap provides solutions that are both sustainable and practical for the modern horticultural sector."
Chrétien (right) with Willem Verwoerd from Aquasol Solar, with the anchoring system at the forefront at HortiContact 2023
Not all panels are the same
AIKO Solar has been one of the largest manufacturers of solar cells used in solar panels since 2009. Two years ago, AIKO also introduced its own solar panels on the European market, with its self-developed All Back Contact technology.
"This allows for the highest yield of all solar panels currently available," states Remon Hansté, C&I Business Director North/West EU and Northern Germany at AIKO Solar.
Floating PV systems
AIKO has also developed a high-efficiency solar panel specifically designed for floating solar systems, offering enhanced water resistance. The Bifacial panel features dual 2mm tempered glass layers, innovative water-resistant encapsulation technology, an anti-corrosion frame, and is equipped with a waterproof connector seal.
For applications on water, one of the most important features is the "partial shading optimization" technology, according to Remon. This feature ensures that local contamination, such as bird droppings, minimally impacts the solar panel's output. This is especially valuable for solar systems on water, where such deposits are common.
The Chinese market
In the agricultural sector, AIKO has been working intensively with Aquasol Solar bv on floating systems for over a year. AIKO Solar utilizes the knowledge and experience of Aquasol Solar for a large floating solar park in China, where Aquasol Solar handles the floating and anchorage system. Implementation is scheduled for mid-2026.
For more information:
Aquasol Solar
[email protected]
www.aquasolsolar.nl
AIKO Solar
[email protected]
www.aikosolar.com
Genap
[email protected]
www.genap.com
Profloating
[email protected]
www.profloating.com