Turn Tailings Ponds Into Clean Energy Systems

Canadian floatovoltaic and renewable microgrid solutions, reducing the size, risk, and cost of tailings ponds by turning them into self-powered water treatment systems.

Floating PV island — Ciel et Terre

About Lightvolt

Innovative Energy Infrastructure for Industrial Operations

At Lightvolt Solar Corp., we are committed to transforming the energy landscape with sustainable solutions that support a cleaner, more resilient future. Operating across Western Canada, Lightvolt delivers innovative, community-driven solar and renewable energy projects grounded in practical experience, technical expertise, and forward-thinking leadership.

Based out of Calgary, Alberta, Lightvolt specializes in floatovoltaic (floating solar) projects and full-scale renewable energy installations. We reduce the size, risk, and cost of tailings ponds by turning them into self-powered water treatment systems.

In partnership with Aqua Pure Technologies, Lightvolt integrates self-powered, scalable solutions for treating contaminated water, turning tailings ponds from long-term environmental liabilities into active, energy-producing systems.

Lower your energy costs
Reduce environmental risk
Clean and reclaim contaminated water
Decrease the size and long-term liability of tailings ponds

Why Floating Solar

Produce Clean Energy

The FPV market grew to 2 GW of globally installed capacity in 2020. DNV foresees 7 to 11 GW to be installed by 2025 with a major increase from 2023 onwards.

Preserve Land

Floating solar tackles land use conflicts related to agricultural lands, industrial areas, and land required for housing as the world population keeps on growing.

Meet All Water Body Challenges

Floating solar is compatible with ponds with ongoing economic activities. It can also rehabilitate disused areas while generating profit.

"Floating solar is the 3rd pillar of the solar industry." — PV Tech Magazine
"4 TW potential worldwide." — DNV

Our Technology

The Hydrelio Air Optim System

Understanding a floating PV plant means understanding each of its interdependent components, from the modules to the mooring lines.

ComponentSpecification
PV ModulesUp to 670 W. Framed & Double glass. 60 to 156 half-cut cells.
Maintenance columnsEase operation & maintenance activities
Junction boxes & invertersSpecific supports for electrical devices
Power stationCentral inverters & transformers
DC/AC cablesFully managed cable way

Hydrelio Air Optim — Durability

FeatureDetail
Wind resistanceHigh wind load engineered
UV stabilityRated up to 30 years
CorrosionISO EN12994-2
Wave resistance>2 m (with wavebreaker)
Float materialHDPE
Connection pinsFiberglass reinforced

Configurations

Single Row 2-in-a-row 4-in-a-row

Tested with ONERA, CETIM, Bureau Veritas

Ondani Ike floating solar, Japan

Anchoring

Anchoring & Floating System Are Inseparable

We know how to design and install the best suitable anchoring solutions for your projects: one point of contact, centralized responsibility, project management made easy.

Hydrelio anchoring 3D diagram
Bank Anchoring

Screw · Plate · Chemical

Bottom Anchoring

Deadweight · Screw · Plate

Pillar Anchoring

For daily/monthly water variation. Adjusts to current level.

Dam Applications

Record depth: 50 m. Waves, current, on-dam activities.

"A difficult task was to measure or to determine the GPS position of each concrete bloc under the water, and the whole time we had perfect support from the supervisor, Antonin, on site or via telephone or email." — Peer Köster, Project Manager, Leimersheim FPV Plant

Proven Performance

Built for Any Condition

88 MWp
Capacity
Changbin, Asia
Near-shore application
1 MWp
Capacity
Sobradhino, Latin America
Dam application
84 kWp
Capacity
Las Tortolas, Chile
Polluted water application
3.3 MWp
Capacity
Clayton Sand, USA
Snow application

Our Services

End-to-End Project Support

Engineering & Design

Technical feasibility analysis and detailed view of your entire floating photovoltaic installation, including Hydrelio® structure sizing and anchoring.

  • Feasibility studies
  • Hydrelio® structure & anchoring design
  • Dedicated project manager
  • Electrical sizing optimization

Supply & Procurement

Local manufacturing for cost & time optimization. 40 production lines worldwide.

  • Closest production site selection
  • On-site delivery
  • Complete product traceability
  • Logistic flows optimization
  • Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)

Training & Construction

Present at each step of your project, managing all construction stages of the floating structure and anchoring. Safety first.

  • Anchoring & mooring installation
  • Mounting preparation
  • Module fixation & float assembly
  • FPV island assembly on the water
  • Rigorous site safety procedures

Floating Maintenance

Yearly maintenance packages and on-demand à la Carte services adapted to floatovoltaic.

  • Spare parts stock management
  • Preventive maintenance & checks
  • Curative maintenance operations
  • Power plant audit
  • Post-weather event maintenance
  • PV module cleaning
Floating maintenance operations

Global Track Record

Lightvolt by the numbers.

Backed by Ciel & Terre®'s global track record as the world's leading floatovoltaic developer, Lightvolt brings proven, industrialised floating solar technology to the Canadian market.

325
Projects grid connected
1.2 GWp
Installed capacity
30+
Countries
13
Years of experience

Established in 2006, our partners at Ciel & Terre® developed Hydrelio®, the world's first patented and industrialised water-based PV concept. Lightvolt Solar Corp. is proud to represent this solution in the Canadian market. Our partner's purpose: deploy renewable energy projects while preserving land.

Kayamanuma, Japan
Leimersheim, Europe
Ondani Ike, Japan
Shimane, Japan 2014
ProjectLocationCapacityYear
Cuba EstePortugal1 MWp2019
Magase IkeJapan2.4 MWp2021
PiolencFrance17 MWp2019
Healdsburg PondUSA4.8 MWp2021
GCL JiningChina6.8 MWp2021
GodleyUnited Kingdom3 MWp2016
RosedaleNew Zealand1 MWp2021
Changbin 3 & 4Taiwan192 MWp2023
Wanxing & 4th water wayTaiwan22.8 & 10.3 MWp2021

In the News

The Tailings Pond Challenge

Tailings ponds pose significant environmental risks to Canadian waterways and ecosystems. Read the CBC News overview of what tailings ponds are, what makes them risky, and how they're regulated, and why Lightvolt's approach matters.

CBC News · Science · August 2014

Read on CBC News →

Our Team

Led by Experience

Lightvolt Solar Corp. is led by Controller & CEO Peter Robison and partner Brett Kemmer, bringing together deep experience in renewable energy development, power systems, construction, and project management across Canada's clean-energy sector.

Peter Robison
Peter Robison
Controller & CEO

Born in the UK and now based in Western Canada, Peter brings academic training in Business and Management with studies at Kingsway College in London, England. He works at the intersection of renewable energy, technology, and business development, helping clients and partners uncover solutions that solve real-world challenges and deliver lasting value.

Brett Kemmer
Brett Kemmer
Partner

Brett supports Lightvolt's strategic vision and innovation. He founded Pioneer Solar and Renewables Inc. in 2019 and brings a strong background in construction, planning, and management, supported by a BBA from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and a BASc from the University of Saskatchewan. Brett is known for his community-focused, environmentally responsible approach to renewable energy development.

Get in Touch

Ready to Start Your Project?

Contact Peter directly. He'll help you uncover solutions that solve real-world challenges and deliver lasting value.

Peter Robison
403 680 2982 peter@lightvolt.ca