Australian company creates world-first floating solar system

AN AUSTRALIAN company is leading the way for renewable energy after creating a world-first floating solar system.

Australia’s innovative answer to renewable energy

AN AUSTRALIAN company is leading the way for renewable energy after creating a world-first floating solar system.

Infratech Industries selected the Northern Areas Council Waste Water Treatment Plant in South Australia as the first location to implement the new system.

Director Felicia Whiting said it is expected the innovative technology will generate an estimated 57 per cent more power than fixed land-based systems.

“The proprietary tracking, cooling and concentrating technology uses water to counteract the gradual loss of output caused by overheating solar panels to create a better performing and more efficient system,” she said.

“The Northern Areas Council will reap additional economic benefits with a cost saving of approximately 15 per cent on their current energy expenditure, plus an additional one per cent margin on the excess energy provided to the local community.”

The water based 57 per cent more power than fixed land-based systems.

Ms Whiting said the biggest challenge in implementing the technology was changing the mindset of government officials and bureaucrats who questioned the need for renewable energy.

“Just how strong Australia’s post-2020 emissions reduction targets remain unknown, however we do know solar innovation is a milestone towards Australian councils, communities and businesses making a difference,” she said.

“As Australians evangelise this type of technology, it is our hope that renewable energy becomes the mainstream rather than niche solution.

“Change is not beyond us and this is definitely a strong step forward.”

A closer look at the panels.

Australia’s leading expert in energy efficiency Jon Dee said he applauded the innovative technology.

“Solar PV panels currently generate renewable electricity on more than 1.36 million Australian rooftops, so we’ve more than shown our acceptance of solar technology,” he said

“However, many people want to see more solar innovation being undertaken in Australia by local companies, in a way that helps the environment and generates local jobs at the same time.”

“The development of Australian-owned, researched and developed floating solar is to be applauded as it shows that Australian companies can be leaders in the transition to economies that are powered by increasing amounts of renewable energy.

“In addition to reducing greenhouse emissions, there is also strong potential to export this technology to other countries which can only lead to even more jobs.”