In a pioneering move towards sustainable energy solutions for agriculture, Aquasol Solar is making significant strides by installing solar panels on water basins. This unique approach not only generates electricity but also enhances water quality, making it a win-win for growers. To bring this innovative concept to life, Aquasol Solar has teamed up with key partners: Profloating, Genap, and AIKO Solar, each contributing essential components to create a comprehensive and effective system.
Profloating: Pioneering Floating Solar Solutions
Wim Nowé, Managing Director at Profloating, explains that floating solar panels are an ideal solution for energy generation in areas where land or roof space is limited but water surfaces are available. The Netherlands, with its numerous water bodies such as rivers, canals, and recreational lakes, is an ideal location for such installations. According to Nowé, installing solar panels on water basins not only generates clean energy but also prevents algae growth and reduces water evaporation, offering dual benefits.
Since 2018, Profloating has been providing a floating system called Flotar, which has been tested and proven in various water applications, including reservoirs, water basins, sand excavations, and coal mines. The Flotar system has demonstrated its resilience in challenging conditions, such as high waves, significant water level changes, and strong winds. Profloating prioritizes sustainability, ensuring that the Flotar system is both energy-efficient and durable.
The design of the Flotar system is meticulously planned to maximize cooling and minimize wind resistance by positioning the panels as close to the water as possible. Each panel is supported by its own float to prevent deformation or damage, and connections are secured with screws to ensure stability. The system’s flexibility allows it to handle uneven forces from wind, waves, snow, and maintenance activities, enhancing its durability and performance.
In the agricultural sector, Profloating has partnered closely with Aquasol Solar, leading to the successful completion of over 30 projects together. This partnership leverages Profloating’s expertise in floating systems and Aquasol Solar’s experience in developing and implementing turnkey solutions.
Genap: Reinventing Anchoring for Floating Solar Panels
Genap B.V., a leader in water storage and tank foils since 1951, has partnered with Aquasol Solar to develop an integrated slope anchor cloth specifically for floating solar energy systems. Chrétien Hendriks, from Genap, explains that this system combines a conventional slope cloth with an anchoring fabric, creating a robust solution for securing floating solar panels to water basins.
This innovative anchor system is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring the stability of the solar panels. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in projects involving over 25,000 panels in the Noordoostpolder. The system can easily handle heavy wind loads (wind class 1) and maintain stability regardless of the size of the solar island or the basin.
Chrétien highlights that Genap’s anchoring system was the first to receive approval from insurers, setting a new standard in the horticultural sector. The system uses high-quality, durable materials, including extra-strong PP strap fabric, a unique stitching technique, specialized stitching material, and stainless steel components. These materials ensure wear resistance and a lifespan that matches the solar system itself.
Genap’s expertise in water storage systems and horticultural foil materials, such as Genatex and Aquatex, is crucial to the success of this system. By incorporating high-quality materials and carefully planned designs, Genap provides sustainable and practical solutions for modern horticulture.
AIKO Solar: High-Efficiency Solar Panels for Floating Systems
AIKO Solar, one of the largest manufacturers of solar cells since 2009, has introduced its own solar panels on the European market with self-developed All Back Contact technology. This technology allows for the highest yield of all solar panels currently available, according to Remon Hansté, C&I Business Director North/West EU and Northern Germany at AIKO Solar.
AIKO has also developed a high-efficiency solar panel specifically designed for floating solar systems, featuring enhanced water resistance. The Bifacial panel includes dual 2mm tempered glass layers, innovative water-resistant encapsulation technology, an anti-corrosion frame, and a waterproof connector seal. One of the most important features for water applications is the “partial shading optimization” technology, which minimizes the impact of local contamination, such as bird droppings, on the solar panel’s output.
In the agricultural sector, AIKO has been working closely with Aquasol Solar on floating systems for over a year. AIKO Solar is utilizing Aquasol Solar’s knowledge and experience for a large floating solar park in China, with implementation scheduled for mid-2026.
Aquasol Solar’s collaboration with Profloating, Genap, and AIKO Solar represents a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions for agriculture. By combining innovative floating solar systems with high-efficiency panels and robust anchoring solutions, these partners are setting new standards in the industry. Their efforts not only contribute to clean energy generation but also enhance water quality and conservation, offering a sustainable future for growers.
