"(Image credit: Getty Images) Floating solar panels are a growing trend around the world, and the UK seems to be cottoning on to their potential. The government has just approved the largest floating solar panel project in Barrow in an attempt to generate cheap energy. The project promises to solve one of the biggest problems with large-scale solar projects, the amount of land that they take up, meaning solar panels could become even more viable across the UK."
"The new installation at Cavendish Dock in Barrow will cover around 200,000m², roughly a third of the dock's water surface. About 47,000 solar panels will be installed on floating pontoons secured to the dock bed. The project is expected to produce up to 40MWp of electricity, enough to power local port operations and nearby industry. Construction is planned so that existing dock activities can continue alongside the solar panels."
"(Image credit: Getty Images) Floating solar has been growing rapidly across Asia, Europe, and North America. In 2024 alone, more than 1.8GW of floating solar capacity was added globally. Large installations include China's 320MW Dezhou plant, projects in Japan and India on reservoirs, and Europe's hybrid systems on hydropower lakes. Singapore and the Netherlands are investing in offshore and dock-based panels, while dual-axis tracking systems are used in some inland sites to boost energy output."
An approved floating solar installation at Cavendish Dock in Barrow will cover roughly 200,000m², about a third of the dock's water surface, and host approximately 47,000 panels mounted on floating pontoons. The system is expected to deliver up to 40MWp, supplying local port operations and nearby industry while allowing existing dock activities to continue. Floating solar capacity expanded globally in 2024, with over 1.8GW added and large plants such as China's 320MW Dezhou project. Floating arrays on reservoirs, hydropower lakes, docks and offshore sites offer scalable renewable generation without occupying farmland or green spaces.
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