Grand Sunergy has announced the full capacity grid connection of the CGN ‘Salt-PV Hybrid’ project in Laizhou City, Shandong, the province’s largest energy storage supported project and one which sets a benchmark for multifunctional land use.
Construction of the project began in June 2024, with an installed capacity of 600MW. Solar panels were installed above salt pond areas, covering approximately 9,765.2 mu (about 1,600 acres). This innovative model utilizes solar resources while maintaining the original quantity and quality of salt production. This approach integrates photovoltaic power generation above the water, brine evaporation at the water surface and aquaculture below, creating a novel compound industry model.
The modules supplied by Grand Sunergy employ bifacial double-glass technology. By reflecting sunlight from the brine back to the rear side of the modules, the design increases the project’s power generation efficiency by approximately 2-3%.
PV modules also generate a thermal effect, significantly raising the salt pond’s temperature, which facilitates brine concentration and optimizes salt production. Simultaneously, this thermal effect creates a natural growth environment for brine shrimp in the ponds, providing premium biological feed for aquaculture operations.
The project is expected to provide an annual 1.004 billion kWh of clean electricity, adding momentum to the local green energy transition.