- SINN Power commissions 1.87 MW vertical floating PV plant at Jais gravel pit, cutting grid power use by up to 70%.
- The SKipp technology boosts all-day generation and shows no environmental harm, with a 1.7 MW expansion planned.
SINN Power, a German renewable technology developer, has commissioned the world’s first vertically floating photovoltaic (PV) system at the Jais gravel pit in Bavaria’s Starnberg district, marking a breakthrough in inland water solar deployment.
The 1.87-megawatt installation, expected to produce around two gigawatt-hours annually, covers just 4.65% of the lake’s surface. During early operation, the company said the plant reduced its grid electricity use by nearly 60%, with output projected to stabilise at 70%.
SINN Power’s patented SKipp system uses a vertical east–west panel layout separated by four-metre-wide water corridors. This ensures consistent generation throughout the day and improves morning and evening output compared to traditional flat PV systems.
A keel-like substructure extends up to 1.6 metres below the surface, allowing the system to move with wind and water-level changes while remaining secure. The plant connects to the grid via a floating cable and a shore-based feed-in point.
Complying with Germany’s Federal Water Resources Act (WHG), the project stays well below the 15% surface coverage threshold while maintaining high energy density. SINN Power plans a second 1.7 MW phase, keeping total coverage under 10%.
Meanwhile, Environmental monitoring has shown no adverse effects, with early results indicating improved water quality and new habitats for fish and waterfowl forming around the structure.
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder inaugurated the project, highlighting Bavaria’s leadership in clean-tech innovation. Other attendees included Bayernwerk AG CEO Egon Westphal, District Administrator Stefan Frey, and State Parliament member Ute Eiling-Hutig.
Developed under the patronage of Hubert Aiwanger, Deputy Minister-President and Minister of State for Economic Affairs, the project underscores Bavaria’s commitment to next-generation renewable solutions.
The SKipp platform, suitable for artificial water bodies deeper than 1.6 metres, targets industrial and high-consumption users with a grid-friendly output profile. SINN Power plans to extend the technology to offshore applications to expand vertical floating PV to open waters.