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In the photovoltaic sector, choosing the right technology is essential to maximize energy production and ensure long-term sustainability. Our development team, always updated on the latest innovations, uses three main solutions for photovoltaic installations: tracker, fixed, and floating. Each technology has its advantages, which depend on specific site conditions and project requirements. In this article, we’ll explore these solutions, with particular attention to the floating system, which is rapidly gaining ground in the renewable energy field.

1. Tracker: Maximizing Production through Movement

Trackers are photovoltaic systems equipped with mobile structures that allow solar panels to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. This system optimizes panel inclination, ensuring up to 30% more energy production compared to fixed systems.

Advantages of Trackers:

• Higher energy production: Continuous panel orientation helps collect more sunlight, especially during peak hours.
• Ideal for southern Italy: Although the initial investment is higher, greater efficiency in high solar radiation areas, like southern Italy, widely justifies the extra cost.
• Production optimization: Trackers optimize energy production throughout the day, improving yield during periods of higher solar radiation.

Disadvantages:

• Less adaptability: Trackers must be installed on very flat and linear terrain

 

1. Fixed: Economical and Reliable Solution

The fixed system is the most traditional type of photovoltaic installation, where panels are positioned on rigid structures and don’t move. This solution is perfect for those seeking an economical system with lower maintenance costs.

Advantages of Fixed Systems:

• Low initial costs: Installing a fixed system is less expensive than trackers.
• Minimal maintenance: System simplicity reduces maintenance costs and time.
• Reliability: Fixed systems are very resistant and durable over time. These systems are also suitable for terrain with significant slopes.

Disadvantages:

• Lower efficiency compared to trackers: Fixed panels don’t orient based on sun movement, resulting in less efficiency especially during peak hours.

 

1. Floating: Innovation on Still Waters

Floating technology, or floating photovoltaic systems, is one of the most innovative and emerging solutions in the renewable energy landscape. This technology involves installing photovoltaic panels on floating platforms positioned on bodies of water such as lakes, water basins, and abandoned quarries. Thanks to this system, we can optimize the use of degraded or unused land, such as abandoned industrial areas or quarry lakes.

Advantages of Floating:

• Energy production optimization: Floating photovoltaic panels benefit from the natural cooling effect of the water below, which reduces the risk of overheating and improves panel efficiency, increasing energy production.
• Exploitation of non-cultivable surfaces: The floating system allows the use of unused aquatic surfaces, avoiding occupation of agricultural land and preserving green spaces.
• Ideal for degraded sites: Installation on degraded sites such as quarry lakes or abandoned water basins is a perfect solution, as it helps to redevelop the area, contributing to renewable energy production goals without damaging the environment. These systems not only produce energy but also help to enhance the area.

Disadvantages:

• High initial investment: Installing floating photovoltaic systems requires a higher investment compared to ground systems with tracker or fixed structures.
• Suitable only for still waters: This technology can only be used in lakes and water basins with calm waters; it is not suitable for the sea, rivers, or areas with strong currents.

The Development Team and Technological Innovation

Our development team is constantly updated on the latest innovations and technologies, including the floating system. With the intention of expanding the possibilities offered by photovoltaic projects, we are ready to exploit every type of site, including unconventional ones like aquatic areas, to contribute to the energy transition. We are excited about the opportunities offered by floating photovoltaic systems, which not only optimize the use of unused land but are also a cutting-edge solution to increase renewable energy production in particular contexts.

Leveraging our expertise in all types of photovoltaic systems — from ground systems to floating projects — we can assist landowners even in floating solar projects, ensuring complete project management, from planning to implementation.

Our Experience in Floating Photovoltaic Installations

Thanks to the consolidated experience of Générale du Solaire France Group, we have developed advanced expertise in the implementation of floating photovoltaic systems. A significant example is represented by the Leutenheim photovoltaic plant, a reference project that has allowed us to refine our know-how in designing and installing systems on water surfaces.

The experience gained allows us to efficiently manage the technical and environmental challenges related to this type of installation, such as the stability of floating structures, anchorage optimization, and integration with the aquatic ecosystem.

With this experience, GDS Sole is able to support the development of floating photovoltaic projects in Italy, ensuring reliable, sustainable, and efficient solutions for energy transition.

Contact Us to Discover the Ideal Solution for You!

If you’re interested in developing a photovoltaic system on land or water, contact us to discover which technology is best suited to your site and needs.

In a world increasingly oriented towards renewable energy, choosing the right photovoltaic technology is crucial to ensure an efficient and durable system. If you have access to agricultural land, industrial areas, or even water surfaces, our customized solutions can transform your land into a clean energy source. Contact us to start your solar project!