Solar Cables for Floating Farms

“Floating photovoltaic systems, or floating farms, are the new trend,” says Stefan R. Müller, Director of JM ProjektInvest GmbH & Co. KG in Magdeburg, Germany. The company develops, constructs, and finances projects having to do with energy efficiency. Together with their customers, JM has become a holistic service provider for the optimisation and generation of energy.

Floating farms are still a relatively new domain. In contrast to traditional photovoltaics (PV), the solar modules of floating farms are mounted on floating platforms, which are usually anchored to the shore. This allows the modules to withstand the natural movements of the water. “Floating solar systems have several advantages,” says Director Müller. “The reflection of the sunlight off of the water is precisely what increases the efficiency of the solar modules.” The resulting evaporation of water helps cool the floating modules, and rope winches are used to turn the photovoltaic system, allowing it to follow the path of the sun. In this way, these floating modules achieve a higher yield – roughly 30 percent more compared to rooftop systems – while simultaneously taking up less space.

JM completed their first floating project together with the Neumann Gruppe, who operates a gravel quarry alongside Schimmel Kies- und Sandgewinnung GmbH in the municipality of Hoym in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Quarry ponds from gravel pits are perfect for installing large-scale solar systems on floating platforms. The plant produces green energy that powers excavators, vibrators, and conveyor belts via their proprietary, sun-tracking photovoltaic island, which has an impressive diameter of 120 metres. Any excess electricity that is produced is fed into the public network.

HELUKABEL expanded its portfolio specifically for floating farms to include the HELUPOWER SOLARFLEX-X H1Z2Z2-K Premium range. This model is certified according to TÜV 2 PfG 2750 and is therefore suitable for use in floating photovoltaic systems. “Currently, only a few manufacturers in Germany can offer cables with approvals for floating applications,” says Michael Thomczyk, Key Account Manager Photovoltaics at HELUKABEL. This range is resistant to weathering, UV radiation, ozone, and extreme temperatures, as well as is flame resistant and halogen free. Also, the approval according to DIN EN 50618 and IEC 62930 assures that the cables fulfil all technical requirements necessary to connect solar modules with power inverters. “We have also supplied them with different robust and resistant underground and medium-voltage cables, which connect the system with the existing infrastructure. This also includes waterproof control cables, as well as fibre optic data cables, which allow for the fast and reliable transmission of data at high bandwidths.”

“For projects like this, we are able to not only supply all of the required parts, but also provide comprehensive service,” promises Michael Thomczyk. HELUKABEL supplies JM with roughly 20 kilometres of material. "Not only are we happy with the technology supplied by HELUKABEL, but also with the collaboration," summarises JM Director Stefan R. Müller. "The instant we encountered a challenge, Roland Eggers was by our side, which is a level of service that you just don't expect. We can trust that the solution we need will be delivered in one or two business days at the latest. With HELUKABEL, you can expect not only extraordinary prices, but also exceptional reliability and quality."