Floating solar power plant in Pune

The first floating solar power plant in India to be developed as a pilot project by Tata Power in association with Australian solar power company Sunengy Pty Limited is likely to be established in one of the lakes near Pune.

Liquid Solar Array (LSA) technology, invented by Phil Conor, executive director of Sunengy, is used for floating solar energy plant.

The LSA uses traditional concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technology — a lens and a small area of solar cells that tracks the sun throughout the day, like a sunflower. Floating the LSA on water reduces the need for expensive supporting structures to protect if from high winds.

The lenses submerge in bad weather and the water also cools the cells which increases their efficiency and lifespan, according to the press statement issued by the companies.

Deputy general manager of Tata Power Mahesh Paranjpe told reporters on Tuesday that the proposed project of floating solar plant would be established in one of the six lakes under control of the company around Pune.

nstruction of the pilot floating solar power plant in India would commence in August 2011. Connor said in a press statement that LSA effectively turns a dam into a very large battery. It needs no heavy materials or huge land acquisition.

Correction: The error in name of the company is regretted and has been rectified.