In many countries, there is a lack of space to install large scale ground-mount solar systems. In parallel, with small and medium rooftop systems in the housing and in industry, large-scale floating power plants are necessary for the solar energy to contribute to the energy mix. As authorities wish to  avoid taking away large farmlands for ground-mount solar systems, we must find acceptable ecological alternative solutions.

There are lots of opportunities on inland water bodies in Europe and many other countries. Quarrie lakes, dams, irrigation reservoirs, water-treatment sites or lands liable to flooding:  possibilities for the installation of floating PV power plants are infinite! And most of the time, they are close to a grid connection point. As an example, the State of Karnataka, in India, has 36,000 irrigation lakes of more than 24 acres, whilst farmland and electricity are missing.

Therefore, we developed and launched our patent floating technology Hydrelio®, as a reliable and cost-effective technology so that floating solar systems can represent a serious alternative to ground-mounted solar systems. Design to resist a wide variety of natural conditions, and to produce cost-effective solar electricity, the Hydrelio® solution allows the realisation of large scale floating solar systems, and thereby contribute to a better energy balance.

At Ciel & Terre®, our mission is to help everyone to capture and use this precious energy. It is also our passion!

Over 55 industrial-scale rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems have been installed in France and La Réunion since 2006. Today completely devoted to floating solar systems with our Hydrelio® technology, Ciel & Terre® is established in many countries via local offices, and a network of agents and distributors. We have developed over 235 MWp , and we expect to increase this number to 330+ MWp by 2018.