PVTIME – On 13 October, the world’s first vertical floating solar plant was officially opened on a quarry lake in Bavaria, Germany. Developed by the German company SINN Power, the facility sets a new standard for solar technology, delivering strong results in terms of technical performance, ecological harmony, and energy efficiency.
Spanning just 4.65% of the lake’s surface, the plant has a capacity of 1.87MW and is expected to generate approximately 2GWh of electricity each year, which is enough to power hundreds of households. It has already reduced local grid electricity usage by almost 60%, and it is expected to reach 70% in the future.
The project’s core strength lies in its technical innovation. SINN Power’s patented SKipp system uses vertical, east-west-oriented modules with keel-like substructures that extend 1.6 metres below the water. This design secures the modules while allowing controlled movement during wind or water level changes, making the plant storm-resistant. The east-west alignment also captures morning and evening sunlight, ensuring steady all-day power production.
Ecologically, the plant sets a new standard. Monitoring data shows that not only has the water quality stayed intact, but it is also improving. The floating modules have attracted breeding waterfowl and fish, creating new habitats, and the vertical design allows sunlight to reach the water below, boosting natural circulation in a way that traditional floating solar setups rarely achieve.
Bavarian Governor Markus Söder attended the launch, demonstrating strong local government support for innovative energy solutions. The plant operates within the limits set by Germany’s Renewable Energy Act, which caps solar module water coverage at 15%, by functioning well below this threshold while delivering high power density.
From an economic perspective, it offers real value to energy-intensive operations such as quarries. According to project partner Gottfried Jais, the plant’s output matches the quarry’s peak electricity demand perfectly, particularly from March to December when there is plenty of sunlight, thus maximising on-site energy use.
Looking ahead, SINN Power plans a second phase of 1.7MW, which will keep total lake coverage below 10%. This scalable, modular technology is designed for future use in open waters, raising the possibility of offshore vertical floating solar plants one day.
This pioneering project provides a new model for the development of renewable energy worldwide. It shows that technical innovation can boost clean energy production without harming the environment, offering a solution that is becoming increasingly vital in the global energy transition.
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