Powering Brazil’s Largest Floating Solar Plant with Tigo Technology

Background

In an ambitious project to lead large-format solar projects in Brazil, Apollo Flutuantes is deploying the country’s largest floating solar plant on the reservoir of the Lajeado Hydroelectric Power Plant, located 10 km from Porto Nacional in Tocantins. The cutting-edge project, comprising 18 solar islands, aims to harness energy from solar modules mounted on floating platforms.

Upon its completion in December 2025, the installation will produce 69 MWp DC / 54 MW AC. The system features 97,200 AE Solar bifacial modules enhanced by Tigo Energy's optimization technology.

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Challenges

Floating solar projects present unique operational and safety challenges. The water environment introduces risks to electrical systems, necessitating robust safety mechanisms. In addition, energy production needs to be optimized across many panels with varying performance characteristics due to power mismatch between modules. The remote location and the scale of the project demand efficient monitoring and maintenance to prevent full shutdowns during servicing.

Solution

Apollo Flutuantes selected Tigo TS4-X-O optimizers to meet the technical demands of this large-scale floating plant. The optimizers offer several critical advantages:

• Module-level rapid shutdown: Ensuring electrical safety on the water with fast isolation of sections for maintenance, reducing downtime.
• Performance optimization: Maximizing energy production by mitigating power losses caused by module mismatch.
• Remote monitoring: The Energy Intelligence (EI) software platform allows real-time visibility into module performance, minimizing on-site visits and enhancing operational efficiency.
• High current and power capability: Supporting modules up to 800W and 25A, crucial for working with the latest bifacial solar modules.

Incorporating advanced high-albedo platforms, the floating plant maximizes energy output by reflecting sunlight onto the back of the bifacial modules. This synergy between hardware and software demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to renewable energy development.

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Results

This installation pioneers floating solar technology in Brazil, setting a benchmark for future projects in the region. The plant generates clean energy without occupying valuable land, showcasing the potential of integrating Tigo's advanced technology with innovative designs.

After successful rounds of technology testing, the project will begin in phases and is expected to be fully operational by December 2025.

For a detailed video walkthrough of the technology at a demonstration site, watch the youtube video below:

Equipment Summary

• Capacity: 69 MWp DC / 54 MW AC
• Modules: 97,200 AE Solar bifacial modules
• Technology: Tigo TS4-X-O optimizers, EI software platform
• Completion: December 2025 (Estimated)
• Key Benefits: Enhanced safety, optimized energy production, reduced downtime, lower insurance costs

For more information about the Tigo TS4-X platform, visit: tigoenergy.com/ts4-x