Texas Reservoirs to Host 500 MW Floating Solar Project

• Third Pillar Solar pioneers Texas's clean energy future with 500 MW floating solar project, transforming reservoirs into power hubs and boosting efficiency while overcoming land constraints.

Third Pillar Solar has secured exclusive rights to develop up to 500 MW of floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) capacity on Texas reservoirs by 2030. This initiative, in partnership with a regional infrastructure owner, aims to utilize reservoir surfaces to overcome land-use constraints faced by traditional solar projects. The project could become one of the largest FPV efforts in the Americas, contributing significantly to Texas's clean-energy portfolio.

The FPV approach offers advantages such as proximity to load centers and existing transmission infrastructure, cooler panel operation for higher yields, and reduced evaporation. The partners will conduct site screenings, environmental assessments, and engineering studies to ensure project viability. While FPV avoids some civil works, costs remain a concern due to premium hardware requirements. However, as designs standardize and local assembly increases, capital expenditures are expected to decrease, making FPV a promising option for Texas's solar expansion.

How will Third Pillar Solar's FPV project impact Texas's clean-energy portfolio by 2030?

• Increase in Renewable Energy Capacity: The addition of up to 500 MW of FPV capacity will significantly boost Texas's renewable energy portfolio, contributing to the state's goal of increasing its clean energy output by 2030.
• Diversification of Energy Sources: By incorporating FPV technology, Texas will diversify its renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on traditional land-based solar and wind projects.
• Efficient Land Use: Utilizing reservoir surfaces for solar panels helps overcome land-use constraints, allowing for solar expansion without competing with agricultural or urban land needs.
• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: FPV systems typically operate at cooler temperatures, which can lead to higher energy yields compared to traditional solar panels, thus improving overall efficiency.
• Reduction in Water Evaporation: The FPV installations can help reduce water evaporation from reservoirs, conserving water resources in a state that often faces drought conditions.
• Proximity to Load Centers: The strategic placement of FPV systems near existing load centers and transmission infrastructure can reduce transmission losses and improve energy distribution efficiency.
• Economic Growth and Job Creation: The development of FPV projects can stimulate local economies by creating jobs in construction, maintenance, and operations, as well as in the supply chain for solar components.
• Technological Advancement: The project will drive innovation in FPV technology, potentially leading to cost reductions and increased adoption of this technology in other regions.
• Environmental Impact: Conducting thorough environmental assessments ensures that the FPV projects are developed sustainably, minimizing ecological disruption and preserving local ecosystems.
• Long-term Cost Reductions: As FPV designs become standardized and local assembly increases, the cost of deploying FPV systems is expected to decrease, making them a more viable option for large-scale solar energy production in Texas.