On October 13, a distinctive solar power plant officially commenced operation on a quarry lake in Bavaria, Germany. This is not a traditional solar installation but the world’s first vertical floating photovoltaic (PV) plant, built by German company SINN Power. This innovative project not only reimagines the possibilities of solar power plants but also achieves remarkable results in technology, ecology, and energy efficiency.
Occupying just 4.65% of the lake’s surface, the plant has an installed capacity of 1.87 megawatts (MW) and is expected to generate approximately 2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually—enough to power hundreds of households. More impressively, since its launch, local grid electricity consumption has already decreased by nearly 60%, with projections indicating this figure will reach 70% in the future.
The core breakthrough of this project lies in its technology. SINN Power’s patented SKipp system features a vertical, east-west oriented module layout. A keel-like substructure extends 1.6 meters below the water’s surface, securing the modules while allowing controlled movement in response to wind and water level fluctuations. This design enables the plant to withstand storms effectively. Simultaneously, the east-west orientation captures morning and evening sunlight, ensuring stable power production throughout the day.
From an environmental perspective, the project demonstrates harmonious coexistence between technology and nature. Monitoring data show that water quality has not been negatively impacted since installation; in fact, there are signs of improvement. The floating components have attracted breeding waterfowl and fish, creating new habitats. The vertical design allows sunlight to penetrate the water, promoting natural water circulation—an ecological benefit difficult to achieve with conventional floating PV.
At the policy and planning level, Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder attended the inauguration ceremony, underscoring the local government’s strong support for innovative energy solutions. The project also cleverly bypasses the restriction under Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act, which stipulates that solar modules can cover no more than 15% of a water surface. The vertical design enables high power density generation while remaining well below this limit.
Economic viability is another notable advantage. For high-energy-consumption industries like quarrying, such plants can significantly reduce electricity costs. Project partner Gottfried Jais noted that the plant’s operation cycle aligns perfectly with the quarry’s peak electricity demand, especially from March to December when sunlight is abundant, maximizing self-consumption.
Looking ahead, SINN Power has already planned a second-phase expansion of 1.7 MW. Even after completion, the total lake surface occupancy will remain below 10%. More importantly, the technology is designed as a scalable, modular system, prepared for future applications in open waters—meaning similar vertical floating PV plants could one day be deployed at sea.
This groundbreaking German project offers a new perspective for global renewable energy development. It proves that, through technological innovation, we can expand clean energy production without sacrificing ecological balance. In the global race for energy transition, such solutions are becoming increasingly vital.
