SolarisFloat’s Protevs Floating Solar Platform

• Protevs by SolarisFloat offers both single and dual-axis tracking systems and a fixed-tilt system, providing flexibility based on project needs

• Built with thermoplastic floaters, the platform is made of recycled PP with glass fiber and HDPE for UV protection, ensuring durability and environmental sustainability

• A typical 1,900 m² configuration can accommodate 364 to 592 modules, achieving an installed capacity of 295 kW with 500 W modules

• The Protevs platform is designed to withstand wind speeds up to 200 km/h, wave heights of 2 m, and snow loads of 1.4 kN/m²

The TaiyangNews Market Survey on FPV 2024 provides data on leading floating PV providers. SolarisFloat has provided data for its technology platform Protevs, which is built with thermoplastic floaters connected to a circular floating platform. The product is available in single- or dual-axis tracking. The company is also offering a polygonal platform as a fixed-tilt system. The fixed tilt is defined based on the project with up to 10°, while the single-axis tracking system can have a tilt of up to 25°. The dual-axis tracker, as can be understood, has a variable tilt following the sun’s path. The mounting structures and solar modules are fixed on the floating platform.

The platform itself is made of PP with glass fiber, some color pigments, and additives for UV protection. The exterior protection of the platform is made of HDPE. The typical configuration has a 1,900 m² area and can accommodate 364 to 592 modules depending on the PV module size and system configuration, whether it is a tracking system or fixed tilt. Considering 500 W as the module power, the platform has an installed capacity of 295 kW. All the versions of Protevs are modular, detachable, and scalable. This means that the floating islands can be merged to form a floating solar farm of any size.

In the tracking configuration, the floating island slowly rotates around a central point, powered by electric motors that consume less than 0.5% of the energy produced. The system rotates in one direction during the day, tracking the sun, and then rotates in the opposite direction during the night, to return to its original position. The system comes with a wind speed tolerance of up to 200 km/h and a wave height of 2 m. It has a snow-bearing capability of 1.4 kN/m². The anchor points located at the float’s perimeter support a variety of anchor options—bottom anchoring with piles, concrete sinkers, bank anchoring or a mix of both. To accommodate changes in the water level, the island is secured in place by an outer ring attached with cables and anchors so that it can move up and down up to 20 or 30 meters. It is also designed to resist a wide variety of environmental conditions, such as salt water and waves up to 1 meter high. It is made of 100% recycled materials, which again can be recycled after the project’s lifetime. The system comes with a 5-year warranty.

The text is an excerpt from the TaiyangNews Floating PV 2024 Report, which can be downloaded for free here.