Floating Solar Array Launches in Ohio. Yes, Ohio! – CleanTechnica

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When you think of leaders in the deployment of floating solar PV power, I’m sure you think of Ohio. Okay, no, that’s unlikely. You’re more likely to think of the myth that people in Springfield, Ohio, are eating their neighbors’ cats and dogs. However, it’s true. Not the eating cats and dogs part, of course, but the part about innovative floating solar photovoltaics being deployed in Ohio.

A little more than a year ago, floating solar PV company D3Energy partnered with Del-Co Water to deploy a floating solar PV project in Ohio, the state’s first and one of the first in the US. The 1.5-megawatt solar project was officially launched just a few days ago. The solar power system will now offset 50% of the electricity used by the water treatment facility.

“In addition to floating solar, what sets this project apart is its multifaceted approach, combining both rooftop and carport installations to maximize energy output,” D3Energy writes. “The floating installation [utilizes] the Hydrelio® floating system from global leader Ciel & Terre. Ciel & Terre’s floating systems are deployed all over the world, with 1.5GW of power already operational or in development.”

“Floating solar enabled us to move forward with a substantial solar installation without encumbering any of our valuable ground which may be needed for future expansion. We were also pleased with the possibility of reduced growth of algae related to sunlight reduction,” Glenn Marzluf, CEO of Del-Co Water, said.

D3Energy has other floating solar power projects in the US. It has more than 10 floating solar systems in Florida, and they reported in October that all of them handled Hurricane Milton fine, including one that went right through the eye of the hurricane (which means it must be somewhere near me). “While many ground-mounted and rooftop solar installations experienced issues, D3Energy’s floating solar arrays showcased their resilience in severe conditions. These systems withstood hurricane-force winds and extreme flooding, highlighting the reliability of floating solar technology,” the company wrote. “D3Energy is proud to report that all of its systems remained fully operational with no reported damage.”

“Our systems are designed to handle extreme weather, and Hurricane Milton was a clear example of that,” said Stetson Tchividjian, Managing Director of D3Energy. “Seeing all of our systems continue to operate smoothly in the aftermath of such a powerful storm is a testament to the expertise and commitment of our team and partners.”

D3Energy also has a floating solar power plant in Park City, Utah, that is offsetting “over 90% of the local water treatment plant’s power,” a company representative, Kirsten Rangel, Business Development Manager, told CleanTechnica. So, the company now has systems in the hurricane-happy subtropics, in the mountainous of Utah, and in … Ohio. Okay, I’m not sure what challenges Ohio’s climate can bring for floating solar PV, but whatever it is, I’m sure D3Energy’s floating solar system will be able to handle it.

Here are some more details on the Ohio solar PV system:

• System Size: 1,600kWp
• Type of reservoir: Retention Pond
• Number of panels: 2,600
• Inverter type: String
• Island size: 3 acres
• Maximum depth: 35 feet
• Type of anchoring system: Bottom-anchoring

All in all, things are looking bright for D3Energy, but Kirsten notes that it should look even brighter soon. “It’s been a busy year, and we’re expecting an even busier 2025!”