Japanese electronics manufacturer Kyocera designed and created these floating solar panels for Japan's Kagoshima prefecture. The inspiration for this megawatt plant came after the disastrous aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami where several areas were affected by nuclear accidents and resulting radiation. Since this devastation, Japan has been very open to alternative clean energy sources, such as solar power.
This 70 megawatt solar power plant is now Japan's biggest utility-scale facility. The floating solar panels began operating as of November 1st, after the project began in July 2012.
A new government program requires local utilities to purchase all of the solar-generated power of more than 10 kilowatts for a 20 year period to promote the use of renewable energy.
Photo Credits: designboom, youtu.be
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Floating Solar Panels
- The use of floating solar panels presents an opportunity for innovative renewable energy solutions.
- Utility-scale Facilities
- The development of utility-scale solar power plants creates opportunities for large-scale clean energy generation.
- Government Support for Renewable Energy
- Government programs that require utilities to purchase solar-generated power promote the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Renewable Energy
- The renewable energy industry can capitalize on the use of floating solar panels and utility-scale facilities to meet growing demand for clean energy.
- Electronics Manufacturing
- The electronics manufacturing industry can explore opportunities in designing and manufacturing floating solar panels for utility-scale solar power plants.
- Government and Energy Policy
- The government and energy policy industry can develop supportive programs and policies to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources.
