Jonsol, with its headquarters in Böblingen near Stuttgart, has made many efforts over the last years, developments in the field of module composition for floating applications and coastal installations, as well as the analysis of various manufacturers of FPV systems (Floating Photovoltaics) and suitable other BOS components, the company announced.
This led, among other things, to a collaboration with two manufacturers of floating systems. Since that time the company has already supplied several floating systems. Philipp Leclerc, international Sales, is also the person responsible for the Floating division and told us about a very special floating system.
Floating PV system with especially manufactured solar modules
It is located on one of the Dutch North Sea islands and was built on a water reservoir / water catch basin with 1372st Jonsol JSP60 with a capacity of 377,3Kw. The modules have an output of 275W and were especially manufactured for this floating application. Furthermore, due to the proximity of a national road and a golf course, special anti-reflective glass was used. The potential is huge and still far from being exhausted. Currently further floating projects are in progress.
The customer and future system partner, who would like to remain unnamed, has placed their trust in the team & high-quality products of Jonsol. The system is one of the first of its kind as the floating system contains no plastic components and has a proven 30 year+ life span. The system is one of the first of its kind as the floating system contains no plastic components and has a proven 30 year+ life span.
Avoid microplastics in the water
The inventor and company founder of this system is fascinated by floating photovoltaics and gave the following information: He informed himself about the different system suppliers on the market and found plastic components in the floating systems again and again. Concerned about the systems durability and later microplastics in the water, he set about producing the world's first floating system without plastic components.
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After high investments in research and development and various pilot trials, as well as many tests, the pontoon east/west floating system has reached series production readiness. In the meantime, various floating systems have been realized. The system is installed similar to a flat roof installation on the floating pontoons with a tilt angle of 18°C and an east/west orientation.
Pontoons made of a concrete-like mixture
Therefore, the PV- plant produces electricity homogeneously throughout the day. The pontoons are made of a concrete-like mixture, patented worldwide, which does not affect the quality of drinking water. Therefore, the system can withstand strong UV and infrared rays for decades. Plant growth is desired to create an additional biotope for flora and fauna. For the system operators and maintenance services, this considerably reduces the time requirement and maintenance costs.
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Their systems are usually installed in combination with string inverters and module level optimizers. By installing the PV modules above the water surface, the modules are cooled better and can thus produce between 12-20% more energy. In addition, the system prevents up to 50% of water evaporation and the lower light transmission reduces algae growth in the water body. Their systems are usually installed in conjunction with string inverters and module level optimizers.
BayWa r.e.: No measurable microplastic abrasion detected
Regarding the aspect of using plastic components for floating PV systems, Felix Gmelin, Communications Manager at BayWa re. told pv Europe: “The topic of microplastics was also an issue for us. We therefore carried out various tests with a provider specializing in this area. Among other things, the weather conditions of a 25-year period were simulated.“
„As a result, no measurable microplastic abrasion could be detected. We can therefore assume that microplastics are not a problem, at least with the mixture we use“, Gmelin said.
About Jonsol
The German module manufacturer Jonsol with production facilities in Europe and Asia is specialized in the production of high-quality high-performance PV modules and modules for floating applications with a module efficiency currently up to 21.16%, as well as the development of customer-specific storage and complete floating systems. (hcn)
