A Solar Islands is an artificial circular island of potentially large dimensions, up to several kilometers in diameter. It consists of an outer torus and a membrane, on which solar panels are placed. A small overpressure is applied below the membrane assuring the load of the solar panels.
The particularity of this concept is the ability to maneuver the islands in any direction with an extreme precision. In fact, when using concentrating solar panels (e.g. EFC), the advantage is that the islands due to its rotation ability can align its solar panels to the sun. This element is crucial for concentrating solar panels have to be constantly and precisely aligned with the sun perpetual movement. This innovative concept avoid thus to equip the concentrating solar panels with individual and expensive tracking systems.
This novel design allows the construction of very large Solar Islands which are almost immune to waves and wind, due to the ring height (up to 20 meters) and the horizontal position of the panels.
As the island is floating on a cushion of air and no mechanical constructions are needed to support it, it allows very low cost solutions.
It can also be installed on land, floating in a circular channel. The land technique principle is almost identical for the island has the same ability to rotate.
This novel design allows the construction of very large Solar Islands which are almost immune to waves and wind, due to the ring height (up to 20 meters) and the horizontal position of the panels.