Floating Solar UK has installed and launched the UK’s first floating solar panel system at Sheeplands farm in Berkshire.

The facility consists of 800 solar panels, which can generate 200KW of power.

The panels were installed in early September on an irrigation reservoir at a 300-acre farm, near the village of Wargrave in Berkshire.

The development of the Berkshire farm cost £250,000.

The Greener Group is the installation partner for Floating Solar UK.

Floating Solar UK founder and CEO Mark Bennett was quoted by reNews as saying: “The launch of our new installation signals what we hope is a revolutionary new alternative for owners of large used, and unused, bodies of water who are wanting to generate both renewable energy and sustainable income.

“The technology is durable, cost-effective and so flexible that it only took us a week to install a 200kW system with more than 800 floating panels.”

Developed by French firm Ciel et Terre, the floating solar panel technology is being distributed by Floating Solar Panel UK in the UK.

Ciel et terre president Alexis Gaveau was quoted by reNews as saying: “It is fantastic to see our innovative technology now being deployed in the UK for the first time.

“The floating solar installation at the Sheeplands Farm site is a real-world example how advancements in renewable technology can both easily be installed and deliver results so quickly.”

The floating solar panel system will be used to generate power for the pump, which would send water from the reservoir to the farm.

The system is claimed to generate higher electricity as a result of the water’s cooling effect on panels.

Further, the installation costs and the environmental impact are low as there is no excavation work.