Germany has introduced the world's first vertical solar plant built on water, marking a significant advancement in renewable energy technology. Developed by German company SINN Power, this innovative facility is located at the Jais gravel pit in Bavaria, near Gilching, and became operational in August 2025, as reported by PV Magazine.
This pioneering design features vertically mounted solar panels oriented east-west, allowing for optimized energy collection throughout the day. The plant captures sunlight from early morning, evening, and both sides of its bifacial modules, a key innovation highlighted by Offshore-Energy.biz.
The facility boasts a peak capacity of 1.87 MW and is projected to generate approximately 2 GWh of electricity annually, according to Canal Solar. SINN Power reports that the plant has already reduced the local grid consumption by nearly 60%, with expectations to reach up to 70% once production stabilizes.
Beyond its energy output, the vertical floating system offers notable ecological benefits. It occupies only 4.65% of the lake's surface, significantly less than the 15% maximum allowed under Germany's Water Resources Act, PV Magazine noted. This minimal footprint improves oxygen exchange and allows more sunlight to reach the water, fostering a healthier aquatic ecosystem.
The patented SKipp system is also engineered for resilience and reduced maintenance. Its design allows modules to deflect under wind loads, ensuring stability against waves, and vertical panels naturally shed snow and dirt, reducing operational costs, as detailed by Offshore-Energy.biz.
This groundbreaking project demonstrates the potential for deploying solar energy on artificial water bodies, such as quarry lakes and gravel pits. SINN Power has already confirmed plans for a second expansion phase, adding another 1.7 MW while keeping lake coverage below 10%, according to PV Magazine.
- The concept of floating solar, or "floatovoltaics," addresses land scarcity by utilizing unused water spaces like reservoirs and quarry lakes, preserving valuable land for other purposes, as Mibet Energy explained in December 2025. These systems also benefit from the cooling effect of water, which can boost panel efficiency compared to land-based installations.
- The SKipp system, developed by SINN Power, employs a unique keel-shaped substructure that keeps the vertically oriented, bifacial modules fixed while allowing controlled movement against wind and water level fluctuations, Canal Solar reported in October 2025. This robust design contributes to the plant's high resistance to storms and ensures long-term reliability.
- Ecologically, the vertical configuration casts less shadow on the water surface than traditional horizontal arrays, minimizing disruption to aquatic ecosystems, according to a YouTube report from October 2025. This design helps maintain stable water temperature and oxygen levels, with observations of improved water quality and nesting waterfowl at the Jais gravel pit.
- Economically, vertical solar panels are designed to outperform during high-demand periods, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when the sun's angle is low, as highlighted by Over Easy Solar. This consistent generation profile is beneficial for self-consumption and supports local grid stability, reducing reliance on external power sources for operators like Kies- und Quetschwerk Jais GmbH & Co. KG.
- The project operates within the regulatory framework of the German Federal Water Resources Act, which limits coverage of water bodies to 15%, a threshold the Jais plant comfortably meets at 4.65%, PV Magazine stated. SINN Power also envisions future applications for its scalable system in offshore environments, extending renewable energy generation to open waters.
- Compared to conventional flat solar farms, the vertical orientation prevents snow buildup in winter, reduces dirt accumulation, and avoids heat buildup during midday peaks, leading to gains in performance and reliability, a YouTube analysis noted in October 2025. Vertical panels also require less frequent cleaning, saving maintenance costs.
- Key stakeholders in this pioneering project include the developer SINN Power, the owner of the quarry lake Kies- und Quetschwerk Jais GmbH & Co. KG, and the Bavarian government, which has actively supported innovative clean energy solutions, offshore-energy.biz confirmed. Bavaria's Vice-President Hubert Aiwanger was among the high-profile visitors during the inauguration.
