Solarplaza, NL, Name QE2 Floating Solar Array 3rd Largest in the World!
In March 2016, Lightsource installed Europe’s largest ever solar PV system on a deep body of water. With a surface area of 57,000 square meters, and containing 23,046 solar panels on the surface of the Queen Elizabeth II reservoir in Surrey, powering Thames Water via private wire, this floating solar farm is the third largest on the planet, according to Solarplaza.
More and more PV plants across the world are being installed on water. Only three floating solar plants had ever been built before 2014. Over the past two years this number has grown to over 70 plants spread across the world, which has led many people to believe that this is the potential start of a new PV boom. These so called ‘floating solar systems’ (or ‘floatovoltaics’) are an appropriate solution to situations where roof and/or ground space is limited. But just how big is this niche? Where are these floating plants located and what is their size?
| Rank | Size (kw) | Name of reservior (lake) / Name of Plant | Country | City/Province | Operating from |
| 1 | 20000 | Coal mining subsidence area of Huainan City | China | Anhui Province | April, 2016 |
| 2 | 7500 | Kawashima Taiyou to shizen no megumi Solarpark | Japan | Saitama | October, 2015 |
| 3 | 6338 | Queen Elizabeth II reservoir | UK | London | March, 2016 |
| 4 | 3000 | Otae Province | South Korea | Sangju City Gyeongsang Bukdo | October, 2015 |
| 5 | 3000 | Jipyeong Province | South Korea | Sangju City Gyeongsang Bukdo | October, 2015 |
| 6 | 2991 | Godley Reservoir Floating Solar PV | UK | Godley | January, 2016 |
| 7 | 2449 | Tsuga Ike | Japan | Mie | August, 2016 |
| 8 | 2398 | Sohara Ike | Japan | Mie | March, 2016 |
| 9 | 2313 | Sakasama Ike | Japan | Hyogo | April, 2015 |
| 10 | 2000 | Reservior in Kumagaya city | Japan | Saitama | December, 2014 |
| 11 | 2000 | Kinuura Lumberyard | Japan | Aichi | February, 2016 |
| 12 | 2000 | Yado Ooike (Sun Lakes Yado) | Japan | Hyogo | January, 2016 |
| 13 | 1751 | Hirono Shinike | Japan | Hyogo | September, 2016 |
| 14 | 1708 | Yakenoike | Japan | Hyogo | July, 2016 |
| 15 | 1700 | Nishi Hiraike | Japan | Hyogo | April, 2015 |
Read the full article here
Related news
16 Apr, 2024
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Solar panels continue to generate renewable electricity even on gloomy days, but how does this work and what effect does cloud have on generation?
09 Apr, 2024
World Economic Forum brief: Clean energy as a catalyst for a nature-positive energy transition
World Economic Forum brief examining how building renewable energy can help biodiversity and leave ecosystems in better shape than they found them.
08 Apr, 2024
Solar summits to task force – Lightsource bp’s 2024 Q1 event highlights
We hit the ground running to kick off 2024 at Lightsource bp. Here's a glimpse of the highlights from a range of events we have been a part of so far.
12 Mar, 2024
2024 utility-scale solar projects in progress
For over a decade, Lightsource bp has been supporting businesses and communities with affordable and reliable solar power.
08 Mar, 2024
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024
International Women’s Day is a global celebration to raise awareness and advocate for women's rights. We asked some of our team members what it means to them.
23 Feb, 2024
Cultivating success: Lightsource bp’s vibrant growth in Taiwan through cultural adaptability
Lightsource bp’s Taiwan team organised a lunar year-end appreciation gathering in the town of Budai in Chiayi County, the very site of its pioneering fishery solar project.
21 Feb, 2024
Lightsource bp completes $348 million financing package for two utility-scale solar projects in Texas
Financing secured for two new Texas solar farms
12 Feb, 2024
Lightsource bp receives Investment Award for its contribution to renewable energy growth in Greece
Lightsource bp, global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects, has been awarded the Investment Award at the UK-Greek Business Awards.
08 Feb, 2024
Lightsource bp provides solar panels and technology support for Brazilian public schools
Lightsource bp, a global leader in the development of solar energy projects has continued its support for public schools in Brazil’s Ceará region.
07 Feb, 2024
Accelerating decarbonisation with first ever battery energised
Lightsource bp has energised the first battery project of its multi-gigawatt global energy storage pipeline.