The rollout of solar energy is accelerating across Europe, especially in agricultural areas and zones with high urban or industrial density. In this context, technologies such as floating solar PV systems and agrivoltaic systems are becoming efficient solutions for continued growth without competing for land use.
Spain has started to invest heavily in these alternatives. Reservoirs and farmland are now viable settings for integrating solar energy on water or over crops, with added benefits in terms of efficiency and water sustainability.
What Is a Floating Solar PV System?
Floating solar PV systems consist of solar panels mounted on floating platforms placed on bodies of water such as reservoirs, artificial lakes, irrigation ponds, or former quarries.
Benefits of Floating Solar PV Systems
Space optimisation: they make it possible to use underutilised water surfaces without taking up agricultural or industrial land.
Reduced evaporation: by covering part of the water surface, they help reduce water loss through evaporation, which is especially important in areas affected by water stress.
Higher energy performance: the cooling effect of water helps solar panels operate at lower temperatures, improving their efficiency.
Compatibility with existing uses: since they do not interfere with crops or structures, they can be integrated into spaces already used for other purposes.
Technical Aspects to Consider During Installation
The installation of floating photovoltaic systems involves several technical challenges that require a specialised approach tailored to the aquatic environment. The main factors to consider are:
Anchoring and Fixing Systems
Anchoring the floating platforms is one of the most critical aspects of the design. The system must be correctly dimensioned to withstand site conditions such as wind gusts, water currents, or changes in water level in reservoirs or ponds.
Ballast, piles, or tensioned cables may be used depending on the depth and type of bed (rocky, sandy, or muddy). In addition, the design must ensure flexibility and stability, allowing slight movement without compromising structural safety.
Material Resistance
The materials used for floats, support structures, and anchors must be specifically designed for humid environments and constant sun exposure. Priority is given to high-density polymers (HDPE), anodised aluminium, and steel with anti-corrosion coatings.
It is essential to prevent deterioration caused by UV rays, water exposure, and the accumulation of microorganisms or organic debris that could affect buoyancy or performance.
Electrical Installation and Accessibility
Cable routing and inverter installation require reinforced insulation measures. Cabling must be either elevated or submerged with the appropriate IP protection rating, and quick-disconnection devices must be included for emergency situations.
It is also necessary to provide safe access for maintenance and periodic inspections, either באמצעות walkways or by boat if the system is installed on large reservoirs.
Performance Management and Cleaning
Although the cooling effect of water improves the performance of photovoltaic panels, periodic cleaning must also be planned, as dust, bird droppings, or suspended particles may accumulate.
Maintenance accessibility should be part of the design from the start, avoiding the need to dismantle parts of the system or rely on improvised solutions.
Compatibility with Water Management
In many installations, floating solar systems share space with irrigation, extraction, or water conveyance infrastructure. For this reason, they must not interfere with pumps, sluices, or other hydraulic equipment. They must also comply with current environmental regulations to avoid impacting aquatic wildlife or protected areas.
What Is Agrivoltaics?
An agrivoltaic system offers a double-benefit solution: using the same land for both crop production and solar power generation. In these installations, solar panels are elevated or strategically arranged to allow crop growth and the passage of agricultural machinery.
Combined Benefits of Agricultural and Solar Production
Controlled shade: the panels provide partial shade, which can improve soil moisture retention and protect sun-sensitive crops.
Lower water consumption: by reducing evaporation, irrigation needs are also reduced.
Better land use: farmers can generate income both from the harvest and from energy production.
Efficient irrigation: the solar energy generated on site can power drip irrigation or pumping systems without relying on the grid.
Can Floating Solar PV Systems Be Installed in Spain?
There are already pilot projects for solar energy on water in Spain in reservoirs across Catalonia, Castilla-La Mancha, and the Valencian Community. At the same time, agrivoltaics in Spain is beginning to be tested in vineyards, almond groves, olive groves, and vegetable crops, with positive agronomic and energy results.
Cameto, as a company specialised in industrial assembly, can contribute through the supply of metal structures resistant to humid environments, as well as the design of floating platforms and modular solutions adapted to the conditions of each water surface or agricultural site.
Grants for Photovoltaic and Agrivoltaic Systems in Spain
Public funding calls for 2025 include specific support lines for renewable self-consumption projects integrated into agricultural or hydraulic systems, including floating installations. Grants may cover everything from design and structural solutions to storage systems and digitalisation.
Projects that combine energy generation with improvements in water efficiency score more highly in evaluation criteria, making them especially attractive for agricultural holdings or irrigation communities.
Cameto Helps You Install Agro-Energy Projects
We can help you with:
Design and assembly of solar structures in rural environments.
Supply of modular platforms for industrial installations.
Integration of solar energy systems with pumping or irrigation equipment.
This technical and industrial expertise makes it possible to adapt solar solutions to demanding environments, where resistance, modularity, and easy maintenance are key to long-term success.
Optimise the Use of Water, Land, and Energy
Floating solar PV systems and agrivoltaics are not future technologies: they are already proving their technical and economic viability. Making smart use of water and land makes it possible to move towards more sustainable agriculture and cleaner energy production without sacrificing productive space.
Cameto’s structural solutions, experience in industrial assembly, and technical knowledge can make the difference when designing safe, efficient installations adapted to new agro-energy models.
Ready to Develop an Innovative Solar Project?
We are ready to support you from design through to the assembly of solar solutions adapted to your environment, whether agricultural, industrial, or hydraulic. Contact us and discover how to optimise every square metre… or cubic metre.
Floating Solar PV and Agrivoltaic Systems: Make Better Use of Water and Land
The rollout of solar energy is accelerating across Europe, especially in agricultural areas and zones with high urban or industrial density. In this context, technologies such as floating solar PV systems and agrivoltaic systems are becoming efficient solutions for continued growth without competing for land use.
Spain has started to invest heavily in these alternatives. Reservoirs and farmland are now viable settings for integrating solar energy on water or over crops, with added benefits in terms of efficiency and water sustainability.
What Is a Floating Solar PV System?
Floating solar PV systems consist of solar panels mounted on floating platforms placed on bodies of water such as reservoirs, artificial lakes, irrigation ponds, or former quarries.
Benefits of Floating Solar PV Systems
Technical Aspects to Consider During Installation
The installation of floating photovoltaic systems involves several technical challenges that require a specialised approach tailored to the aquatic environment. The main factors to consider are:
Anchoring and Fixing Systems
Anchoring the floating platforms is one of the most critical aspects of the design. The system must be correctly dimensioned to withstand site conditions such as wind gusts, water currents, or changes in water level in reservoirs or ponds.
Ballast, piles, or tensioned cables may be used depending on the depth and type of bed (rocky, sandy, or muddy). In addition, the design must ensure flexibility and stability, allowing slight movement without compromising structural safety.
Material Resistance
The materials used for floats, support structures, and anchors must be specifically designed for humid environments and constant sun exposure. Priority is given to high-density polymers (HDPE), anodised aluminium, and steel with anti-corrosion coatings.
It is essential to prevent deterioration caused by UV rays, water exposure, and the accumulation of microorganisms or organic debris that could affect buoyancy or performance.
Electrical Installation and Accessibility
Cable routing and inverter installation require reinforced insulation measures. Cabling must be either elevated or submerged with the appropriate IP protection rating, and quick-disconnection devices must be included for emergency situations.
It is also necessary to provide safe access for maintenance and periodic inspections, either באמצעות walkways or by boat if the system is installed on large reservoirs.
Performance Management and Cleaning
Although the cooling effect of water improves the performance of photovoltaic panels, periodic cleaning must also be planned, as dust, bird droppings, or suspended particles may accumulate.
Maintenance accessibility should be part of the design from the start, avoiding the need to dismantle parts of the system or rely on improvised solutions.
Compatibility with Water Management
In many installations, floating solar systems share space with irrigation, extraction, or water conveyance infrastructure. For this reason, they must not interfere with pumps, sluices, or other hydraulic equipment. They must also comply with current environmental regulations to avoid impacting aquatic wildlife or protected areas.
What Is Agrivoltaics?
An agrivoltaic system offers a double-benefit solution: using the same land for both crop production and solar power generation. In these installations, solar panels are elevated or strategically arranged to allow crop growth and the passage of agricultural machinery.
Combined Benefits of Agricultural and Solar Production
Can Floating Solar PV Systems Be Installed in Spain?
There are already pilot projects for solar energy on water in Spain in reservoirs across Catalonia, Castilla-La Mancha, and the Valencian Community. At the same time, agrivoltaics in Spain is beginning to be tested in vineyards, almond groves, olive groves, and vegetable crops, with positive agronomic and energy results.
Cameto, as a company specialised in industrial assembly, can contribute through the supply of metal structures resistant to humid environments, as well as the design of floating platforms and modular solutions adapted to the conditions of each water surface or agricultural site.
Grants for Photovoltaic and Agrivoltaic Systems in Spain
Public funding calls for 2025 include specific support lines for renewable self-consumption projects integrated into agricultural or hydraulic systems, including floating installations. Grants may cover everything from design and structural solutions to storage systems and digitalisation.
Projects that combine energy generation with improvements in water efficiency score more highly in evaluation criteria, making them especially attractive for agricultural holdings or irrigation communities.
Cameto Helps You Install Agro-Energy Projects
We can help you with:
This technical and industrial expertise makes it possible to adapt solar solutions to demanding environments, where resistance, modularity, and easy maintenance are key to long-term success.
Optimise the Use of Water, Land, and Energy
Floating solar PV systems and agrivoltaics are not future technologies: they are already proving their technical and economic viability. Making smart use of water and land makes it possible to move towards more sustainable agriculture and cleaner energy production without sacrificing productive space.
Cameto’s structural solutions, experience in industrial assembly, and technical knowledge can make the difference when designing safe, efficient installations adapted to new agro-energy models.
Ready to Develop an Innovative Solar Project?
We are ready to support you from design through to the assembly of solar solutions adapted to your environment, whether agricultural, industrial, or hydraulic. Contact us and discover how to optimise every square metre… or cubic metre.
Search
Categorias
Projects