The largest floating solar array in the U.S. is under development in Millburn, New Jersey. The 8.9 MW system is being installed by NJR Clean Energy Ventures on a reservoir located at the New Jersey American Water Canoe Brook Water Treatment Plant. The 4.4 MW floating solar project in Sayreville, New Jersey. Source: NJR Clean Energy Ventures

When fully operational in the fall of 2022, the clean power generated by the array, incorporating 16,510 solar panels and an innovative floating racking system, will provide approximately 95% of the facility’s annual power needs. Such floating solar projects take advantage of underutilized space to generate renewable energy can also help reduce evaporation and algae growth, which protects the water source. The water provides a cooling effect on the arrays, which helps the panels operate more efficiently.

This will be the second floating solar project developed by NJR Clean Energy Ventures. The first, a 4.4 MW array located in Sayreville, New Jersey, and highlighted in the video above, was commissioned in 2020.

[See also: The rising tide of floating solar systems]