Solar mounting system for aquaculture – Photovoltaics on water and wetlands
Aquaculture solar mounting system designed for photovoltaic installations on water surfaces, wetlands and saline environments. High corrosion resistance, durable structure and optimized for renewable energy generation in aquaculture applications.
Overview
Bexie Energy’s aquaculture solar mounting system is an innovative solution that combines photovoltaic production with aquaculture activity on water surfaces, wetlands and saline-alkaline land. The aquaculture solar mounting system takes advantage of surfaces that would otherwise be unusable for solar generation, maximising the energy and economic yield of aquaculture installations.
The aquaculture solar mounting system is manufactured with materials specifically selected to withstand the most demanding environments — salt water, constant humidity and aggressive soils — guaranteeing a long lifespan with no need for frequent maintenance.
Technical specifications of the aquaculture solar mounting system
- Wind speed: up to 70 m/s (3s gust, MRI=50Y)
- Snow load: 0.50 kPa
- Tilt angle: 5° – 45°
- Module layout: landscape and portrait
- Material: Q235B / Q355B steel with Zn-Al-Mg coating
- Application: water surfaces, wetlands, saline-alkaline soils
What is aquaculture solar mounting?
Aquaculture solar mounting is a type of photovoltaic installation that integrates solar panels over water surfaces or in environments associated with aquaculture activity. This concept, also known as “aquatic agrivoltaics” or “aquavoltaics”, makes it possible to:
- Generate solar energy on water surfaces with no need for additional land
- Reduce water evaporation under the panels — an additional benefit for aquaculture
- Provide partial shading that can improve conditions for certain aquaculture species
- Maximise the economic return of existing aquaculture installations
- Reduce the energy cost of aquaculture facilities
Applications of the aquaculture solar mounting system
- Fish farms and aquaculture facilities
- Shellfish and mollusc culture ponds
- Wetlands and marshlands with productive activity
- Salt flats and salt production facilities
- Reservoirs and irrigation ponds with additional solar production
- Intensive aquaculture installations with high energy demand
Corrosion-resistant materials for saline environments
The aquaculture solar mounting system uses Q235B/Q355B structural steel with Zn-Al-Mg (zinc-aluminium-magnesium) coating, which offers significantly higher corrosion resistance than standard galvanisation:
- Corrosion resistance in saline and humid environments
- Greater durability than standard galvanisation
- Ideal for installations in contact with salt or brackish water
- Minimal maintenance throughout the entire lifespan of the installation
- Compatible with food-grade quality standards in aquaculture facilities
Structural resistance in extreme conditions
The aquaculture solar mounting system is designed to withstand the most demanding conditions in coastal areas and wetlands:
- Wind resistance of up to 70 m/s — higher than most onshore structures
- Optimised design to withstand the dynamic wind loads in open areas
- Wide tilt angle from 5° to 45° to adapt to different conditions
- Compatible with landscape and portrait module layouts
Standards and certifications
- ASCE 7-05 / 7-10 / 7-16 (USA)
- GB50009-2012 (China)
- JISC 8955-2017 (Japan)
- AS/NZS 1170.2-2021 (Australia/New Zealand)
- EUROCODE 0-9 (Europe)
- NSCP 2015 (Philippines)
- NCh 432 (Chile)
Energy benefits of aquaculture solar mounting
An aquaculture solar mounting installation can generate between 800 and 1,200 kWh per year per installed panel in coastal areas of southern Europe, thanks to the cooling effect that water has on the solar modules, improving their performance compared with onshore installations.
This can mean significant energy savings for aquaculture installations with high electrical demand (pumps, aerators, filtration systems). Calculate the estimated production for your installation using the European Commission’s PVGIS portal.
Integration with the Bexie energy system
The aquaculture solar mounting system can be combined with our TopCon solar panels, hybrid inverters and storage systems for a complete aquaculture self-consumption installation. Take a look at the rest of the solar mounting structures in the Bexie catalogue.
Frequently asked questions about aquaculture solar mounting
Do solar panels affect aquaculture activity below the water?
Studies on aquatic agrivoltaic installations show that the partial shading generated by the panels can be beneficial for certain species, reducing thermal stress in summer. The design of the angle and the spacing between panels makes it possible to control the level of shading according to the needs of each species.
Is the material safe in contact with culture water?
The Zn-Al-Mg coating is stable in aquatic environments and doesn’t release polluting substances. It’s compatible with quality standards for food production installations. Contact our technical team for the specific requirements of your activity.
Can it be installed in salt water?
Yes, the Zn-Al-Mg coating offers significantly higher corrosion resistance than standard galvanisation, making it particularly suitable for marine environments with salt or brackish water.
What maintenance does the structure require?
Minimal. The Zn-Al-Mg coating is long-lasting and doesn’t require additional treatments. We recommend an annual visual inspection to check the condition of the joints and fasteners.
Do I need special permits to install panels over water?
Photovoltaic installations on water surfaces may require specific authorisations from the relevant water authority or coastal management body depending on the location. Our team can advise you on the procedures required for your project.
