EMICA SOLAR has installed in the Basque Technology Center, in Vitoria, the first floating photovoltaic power generation facility in the Basque Country, a small plant that is already  operational on the surface of the irrigation pond of  the Technology Center. It is a  small reservoir about 150  m long and 60 m width, used for the maintenance of all the land where the business complex is located.

The installation sits on a floating structure whose distinctive feature  in a design inspired by the hull of a trimaran type boat, which offers the advantages of greater stability combined with less area of contact with water: up to 93% compared to other systems, which results in a drastic reduction of natural evaporation, the cost of maintenance and the effect on aquatic  flora and fauna. It also allows the use of bifacial solar panels, which increase the energy efficiency of the installation thanks to a better use of sunlight, its reflection on water and the cooling effect of the temperature of the water under the surface and the transfer of heat from the air convection under the panels.

Additionally, the panels are installed with 25º tilt angle, the optimal position for solar radiation, which results in greater energy production. Another advantage, trimaran structure allows to address the bottom of the reservoir during the maintenance activity without the need to dismantle  the installation.

This experimental construction constitutes an isolated installation  formed by 32 solar panels, lined up on an area of  138 m2, with an installed capacity of  11 kW, enough power to supply seven homes. In any case, its main objective is to validate assembly tasks and maintenance operations.  It will also allow to analyze the evolution of water quality and verify if there are significant variations in terms of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, chlorophyll and other factors. Additionally, having equipment  already installed  and in operation represents  an excellent demonstration tool for future customers.