Xfloat, a innovative startup founded by tech entrepreneur Ran Alcalay and his cousin, Avi, has developed a groundbreaking solution to boost the energy output of solar panels on water. The cousins recognized a key flaw in photovoltaic (PV) solar energy technologies – they couldn’t be fully utilized on bodies of water. With developers increasingly looking to maritime solutions due to the scarcity of land for solar farms, Xfloat aimed to tap into the future of water-based solar energy.
Xfloat’s innovative system allows for the navigation and rotation of solar panels on water, maximizing their energy generation. By using tracking technology, the panels can generate up to 20% more energy per unit compared to traditional ground-based PV setups. This breakthrough makes ground-based PV technology the most cost-efficient method for generating renewable energy today.
The company’s mechanism, their intellectual property, controls the rotation of PV trackers in unison through a grid of connected vessels. This technology adjusts the floating power of the tanks, altering the location of the tanks in order to position the solar panels for maximum energy production. Xfloat’s pilot water-based solar farms, opened in northern Israel, have already begun commercial energy generation. The company’s mechanism allows for easy scalability, paving the way for the development of industrial-scale water-based solar farms capable of generating hundreds of megawatts.
Xfloat’s system not only brings renewable energy generation to bodies of water but also offers longevity to these solar farms. With minimal repairs required over time, operating costs can be significantly reduced. In addition, Xfloat’s data and AI professionals ensure the efficient control and management of valuable information collected from the pilot farms. This unique data acquisition and processing capability sets Xfloat apart, providing the company with an unparalleled pool of knowledge in the field.
Floating photovoltaics (FPV) have gained significant attention in the industry, with major renewable energy conglomerates seeking promising companies in this sector to incorporate FPV into hydropower plants. By integrating solar farms into hydropower networks, the electrical grid becomes more efficient, thus enhancing energy production. Xfloat is currently collaborating with major firms to explore hybrid energy solutions, combining hydro and solar power.
While FPV currently ranks as the least cost-efficient option among PV tech, rooftop solar systems, and FPV, tech entrepreneur Ran Alcalay believes that it’s only a matter of time before FPV becomes an integral part of the hydroelectric field. As available land becomes scarcer, solar panel growth is expected to move towards bodies of water.
Alcalay emphasizes that FPV should be viewed as an additional tool for meeting the growing demand for renewable energy, rather than a substitute for existing options. He envisions a future where Xfloat becomes a leading figure in the water-based solar energy industry, thanks to their cutting-edge technology and expertise.
With its innovative solution to enhance energy output from solar panels on water, Xfloat embodies the potential for advancements in renewable energy generation. By harnessing the power of water, Xfloat contributes to a more sustainable future.
