Germany unveils vertical floating solar plant

October 13, 2025

Germany has taken a major leap in renewable energy innovation with the launch of the world’s first vertical floating solar power plant, a groundbreaking project that could transform how solar energy is produced on inland water bodies.

The pioneering facility, developed by SINN Power, is situated on the Jais gravel pit in Bavaria’s Starnberg district. Boasting an installed capacity of 1.87 megawatts (MW), it is projected to generate approximately two gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity each year — enough to power several hundred homes. Remarkably, the plant covers only 4.65% of the lake’s surface area, minimizing its environmental footprint.

“This project represents a milestone in sustainable energy,” said Gottfried Jais, director of Kies- und Quetschwerk Jais, which operates the gravel pit. Early results show the system has already cut grid electricity consumption by nearly 60%, with efficiency expected to reach up to 70% once fully optimized.

A breakthrough in floating solar technology

At the core of this innovation lies SINN Power’s patented Skipp-Float system, which introduces a vertical east-west solar panel orientation — a first in the global solar industry. The design includes open water corridors at least four meters (13 feet) wide between the panel rows. This spacing enhances light reflection, ventilation, and overall panel efficiency.

Unlike traditional solar systems that peak at midday, SINN Power’s configuration enables balanced power generation throughout the day, including stronger performance during morning and evening hours.

“The system fits seamlessly with our operations,” explained Jais. “It doesn’t require land use and perfectly complements our production schedule from March to December, when sunshine is at its highest.”

Each module is anchored 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) below the surface using a keel-like structure that allows it to flexibly adapt to wind and water level changes, ensuring durability and stability.

The plant also connects to the local grid via a floating power cable and shore-based feed-in point, enabling smooth energy transfer without disturbing aquatic ecosystems.

Vertical solar design meets sustainability standards

SINN Power emphasized that the project fully complies with Germany’s Federal Water Resources Act (WHG), covering less than 15% of the water’s surface area — well below the regulatory limit. A second 1.7 MW expansion phase is already planned, which will keep the total coverage under 10%.

Initial environmental impact assessments have shown no negative ecological effects. On the contrary, SINN Power reports improved water quality and the creation of new habitats for fish and waterfowl around the floating panels.

“We are also exploring next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies to complement this system,” Jais added, noting that SINN Power aims to make floating vertical PV systems more accessible for industrial users.

A new era for floating solar energy

The plant’s official inauguration was attended by key figures in politics and energy, including Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister-President, Egon Westphal, CEO of Bayernwerk, Stefan Frey, Starnberg district administrator, and Philipp Sinn, PhD, CEO and founder of SINN Power.

Designed for artificial lakes and reservoirs deeper than 1.6 meters (5.2 feet), the vertical floating solar system is ideal for industrial and high-consumption sites seeking efficient, grid-friendly renewable power. Additionally, it’s adaptable for offshore applications, meeting the technical and environmental standards required for marine deployment.

As Germany leads the way in floating solar innovation, SINN Power’s vertical system could mark the beginning of a new era in sustainable energy production — one where clean power and aquatic ecosystems coexist in harmony.