Norway’s Inseanergy has developed floating solar tech for aquaculture projects. It recently commissioned its first commercial array – a 290 kW floater for salmon-farming specialist Bjoroya – in addition to a 160 kW installation for a cod fish farm.
Floating PV array at a salmon farm in Norway
Image: Inseanergy
Inseanergy, a Norway-based renewables developer, has built a floating solar platform for use in aquaculture projects. The SUB Solar system is installed on recycled fish-cage float rings and can be used in combination with onshore power supplies to reduce the need for diesel generators, which are traditionally used to power fish farms. It also allows for excess electricity to be sold to the grid.
The floating solar system is particularly suitable in combination with hybrid system solutions that pair batteries with downsized diesel generators, according to the company.
Inseanergy recently installed its first commercial installations after completing a pilot project with Hofseth International at one of its fish farms in Stranda, Norway. DNV and Trondheim-based research firm SINTEF tested the demonstrator and conducted a risk analysis. The upgraded SUB Solar floating system is now in the process of securing DNV certification, according to Inseanergy.
Inseanergy CEO Kari-Elin Hildre told pv magazine that the company recently installed a 290 kW floater with a diameter of 51 meters at a salmon farm in Krakholmen, Norway. Its first commercial installation was a 160 kW floater for cod-farming specialist Gadus Group.
During regular operating hours at the fish farm, the solar panels are submerged in water, which cools them down. It also increases the weight and stability of the structure, and prevents soiling on the panels. In addition, Inseanergy uses a pump and bilge system to remove dirt and excess particles from the floating structures.
SUB Solar floater
Image: Inseanergy
