Solar systems integrator Sunday Energy Ltd. has signed an agreement with Kibbutz Zeelim in the Negev to install a 5-megawatt photovoltaic power facility on a water reservoir on the kibbutz's land. The project will cost an estimated NIS 100 million, and Zeelim has an option to share in the financing and own up to 50% of the facility.
The Planning and Building Commission for Engineering Installations has already approved the use of the land, which means that Sunday Energy and Zeelim should be able to obtain the necessary regulatory permits quickly.
This is the first project in Israel to install a solar panel array on a water reservoir. Sunday Energy says that this is the largest project of its kind in the world to date.
Sunday Energy will develop and apply innovative technologies for building a photovoltaic panel array over a water surface, using either floats or another proprietary structure that will use the reservoir's water to cool the panels, which will boost electricity production.
Sunday Energy said that the photovoltaic panel array will reduce evaporation from the reservoir, which falls by one centimeter a day during summer due to evaporation.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 13, 2010
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