Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 19, German renewable energy developer SINN Power has commissioned the world’s first vertical floating photovoltaic (PV) system at the Jais gravel pit in the Starnberg district, Bavaria. The project, installed on inland water, represents a milestone in deploying renewable energy on lakes and artificial water bodies.

The floating PV plant has a capacity of 1.87 MW and is expected to generate around 2 GWh annually while covering just 4.65% of the lake’s surface. During initial operations, the system reduced grid power usage by nearly 60%, with projections of up to 70% once production stabilizes, according to SINN Power.

The installation features SINN Power’s patented SKipp system, which orients solar modules vertically along an east–west axis. Modules are separated by open water corridors at least four meters wide to optimize sunlight capture throughout the day, including early morning and late afternoon periods when conventional PV panels are less productive. A keel-like substructure, extending 1.6 meters below the surface, secures the modules while allowing controlled movement under wind and fluctuating water levels. Power is transmitted to the grid via a floating cable connected to a shore-based feed-in point.

The design complies with Germany’s Federal Water Resources Act (WHG), keeping surface coverage well below the 15% limit while maintaining high power density. A second phase of 1.7 MW is planned, which will keep total coverage under 10%. Environmental monitoring indicates no negative impacts; early results suggest improved water quality and the creation of new habitats for breeding waterfowl and fish around the floating modules.

The inauguration ceremony included Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, who highlighted the region’s commitment to “research and technology that enables new value chains.” Other attendees included Stefan Frey, District Administrator of Starnberg; Egon Westphal, CEO of Bayernwerk AG; Ute Eiling-Hutig, Member of the State Parliament for Starnberg; Bernhard Kling of BIV Building Materials; and project partners Gottfried Jais and Dr. Philipp Sinn of SINN Power. The project was developed under the patronage of Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Deputy Minister-President and Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy.

The SKipp system is designed for artificial water bodies deeper than 1.6 meters, such as quarry lakes and gravel pits, targeting high-consumption users with a grid-friendly production profile that supports local energy stability. The technology is scalable and suitable for offshore use, meeting technical requirements for marine operations. SINN Power plans to extend the vertical floating PV concept to open water installations, advancing renewable energy generation at sea.

Earlier in 2023, SINN Power proposed a floating solar project in Eching am Ammersee, southeast Germany. The Jais gravel pit installation underscores Bavaria’s continued support for innovative, clean energy solutions and demonstrates the potential of vertical floating PV technology to combine high efficiency, environmental compatibility, and scalable renewable energy production.