World premiere in Gilching: Floating photovoltaic system launched!

World premiere in Gilching: Floating photovoltaic system launched!

In Gilching, a town in Bavaria, a groundbreaking photovoltaic system was recently inaugurated that could make huge waves. Installed with the innovative SKipp technology, it marks a real world premiere in the use of floating solar modules on a gravel quarry lake. Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder honored this advanced project when it was commissioned and praised Bavaria's pioneering role in the field of renewable energies. The system consists of 2,600 vertically arranged PV modules, which are fixed with a special cable system and offer a total output of 1.87 megawatts. The expected annual electricity production is around two gigawatt hours, which could enable the gravel plant to reduce its electricity requirements by around 70 percent.

The official commissioning event attracted over 100 guests, including important political representatives such as members of the state parliament and mayors. Dr. Philipp Sinn, one of the bosses of Sinn Power, also emphasized the positive impact on the resilience of the location thanks to sustainable energy production. Prime Minister Söder underlined Bavaria's innovative strength, which not only protects the climate, but also underlines the country's economic strength, as Bavaria attracts over 50 percent of the nationwide venture capital.

Progress through technology and sustainability

The importance of this floating photovoltaic system cannot be underestimated. The vertical orientation of the modules revolutionizes the use of inland waters, and productivity could even be increased through the special installation. Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, described the floating photovoltaic system as a prime example of the Bavarian energy transition. Aiwanger also reminded that a total of 2,500 additional modules will soon be added to an already installed quantity of 50 modules. This system could provide enough electricity for around 725 German households.

In addition, the innovative technology should not only reduce CO2 emissions by 600 tons per year, but also offer animals a new habitat. Initial observations show that the open water corridors between the modules not only enable oxygen exchange and sunlight, but also benefit breeding waterfowl and schools of fish.

Bureaucratic hurdles in the way?

However, bureaucratic hurdles continue to stand in the way of progress. Entrepreneur Gottfried Jais called for more pragmatism and less bureaucracy in order to advance such innovative projects. Aiwanger also emphasized that the existing legal requirements, which only allow 15 percent of the water area for photovoltaic systems, should be reconsidered in order to improve the profitability of such systems.

The project in Gilching could not only be a milestone in photovoltaic technology, but also serve as an impetus for a more comprehensive discussion about the use of our water areas for renewable energies. Let's look forward to seeing how the implementation develops and what influence it has on the Bavarian landscape and environment.