A large-scale renewable energy installation was put in place above unused stormwater retention ponds at the newly constructed Epic Universe theme park by Universal Orlando Resort.
They have been installed on top of a structure built out of high-density polyethylene pontoons that float over the water surface.
Solar panels produce electricity utilizing the abundant solar energy in Florida without using up valuable parking space for visitors.
The setup makes use of water to produce electricity during daytime, which will be used to cut down on power consumed in the park as well as charging the buses when traveling at night.
Deploying floating solar across theme park stormwater ponds
Stormwater retention ponds occupy large areas in the theme park properties of today’s world without providing any form of direct monetary gain.
A floating mount system allows for the creation of a renewable energy source from the inactive water body through placement of the modules directly onto the surface of the water.
Pontoons interlock to hold the 3,369 high-efficiency photovoltaic modules that have been fixed in place upon the steep earth embankment of the pond.
The high-density flotation system ensures the even distribution of weight without decreasing the pond’s capacity for holding water.
The fact that the solar panels are water-mounted ensures that the operating temperature of the panels is lower compared to conventional land-based solar panels.
Distributing solar energy from day into the night via batteries
The resort transportation system uses lots of electrical energy to move people and workers around the premises of the resort.
By installing the microgrid directly to the floating solar panels, the energy that is generated during the day will be charged directly into the lithium-ion batteries.
The energy will remain in the batteries until the gates are closed and the night operations begin.
Using the smart charging software will help distribute the energy at night to all the vehicles.
All the electric buses will ferry people using the electricity generated and stored during the day.
Engineering floating platforms for hurricane-force wind loads
The platform uses UV-stabilized polymers and flexible framing designed to accommodate water movement.
An anchoring system secures the structure against lateral pressures and water level fluctuations, though specific numerical wind-survival thresholds and water-level rise limits are not detailed in the primary project record.
Controlling the spread of algae and keeping the volume of reservoir water intact
Covering water bodies with solar panels reduces the amount of sunlight entering the water, which can potentially limit algae growth and reduce evaporation.
However, environmental outcomes such as changes in dissolved oxygen levels, algal dynamics, or local aquatic biodiversity have not been monitored or confirmed for this specific installation.
The project is part of Universal’s broader 3.7-MW park solar initiative, featuring a 1.4-MW floating array designed primarily for renewable energy generation and EV bus charging, according to D3Energy.
Determining limitations to the operational capability of solar microgrids in water
Nevertheless, there are some other specific problems related to maintaining floating platforms due to the difficult conditions of the marine environment.
To inspect the anchor cables and electricity cables underwater, the use of special boats and diving operators becomes inevitable.
Splashes of fountain aerators, mineralization, and bird excrement will require the employment of robotic cleaning devices to maintain the opehigh electrical capacity of the system.
Checking for the electrical connections should be carried out on a regular basis by the marine operator to avoid penetration of moisture.
The cost of constructing the marine pontoon frame will be approximately 20% higher than that of the regular terrestrial frame.
Future testing of component longevity will decide the extent to which these floating structures are used in other Universal facilities.
Read the whole thing?
Get the week's signal, not the noise
Our sharpest reporting on energy, climate and nature — free, once a week.
