Japanese Kyocera has started construction on a floating solar photovoltaic power plant on the Yamakura Dam reservoir at Ichihara City in Chiba Prefecture.
With an estimated capacity for 13.7MW, the project is claimed to be the largest floating solar project globally.
It is expected to be operational in the financial year 2018, and will comprise nearly 51,000 solar modules installations, which have been developed by Kyocera.
The floating plant will spread over a fresh water surface area of 180,000m², and will have an annual power generation capacity of 16,170 megawatt hours (MWh), the firm said.
The Yamakura Dam reservoir is managed by the Public Enterprises Agency of Chiba Prefecture in Japan for industrial water services.
This project was initiated by the agency in October 2014 and is expected to reduce environmental impact, by cutting down nearly 8,170t of annual carbon emissions.
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By GlobalDataOnce commissioned, the power output from the facility will be purchased by Tokyo Electric Power Company.
The project will be based on the Hydrelio floating solar technology, developed by Ciel et Terre.
The solar panels to be installed at the floating plant are expected to have a 30-year lifespan and a link resistance of 3,000DaN (3t).
The PV panels will have the capacity to withstand wind speeds up to 118mph, and changes in water levels of up to 20ft, and will be UV-protected, corrosion-resistant and more durable than metallic panel units.
Image: The plant will have 51,000 Kyocera solar module installations. Photo: courtesy of Kyocera Corporation.