Solar Lily Pads Gently Floating And Gathering Energy on the River Clyde

The innovative architectural firm, ZM Architecture in Glasgow, Scotland was awarded the International Design Award in the Land and Sea category for its alternative energy proposal Solar Lily Pads.

The concept extracted from nature involves placing large solar discs on the surface of the River Clyde which are tethered to the river bed. The lily pad-like solar discs were created by ZM Architecture to aesthetically blend into the river ecology.

According to the BBC news service, the lily pad solar panels are equipped with an integrated motor and sensor which allows the discs to rotate toward the sun. This technology allows the solar lily pad panels to achieve the maximum exposure to the sun's rays.

The plan would allow energy generated from the solar lily pads to be transferred to the main grid in Scotland. In addition the plan has an aesthetic component. It is expected to increase the aesthetics in areas surrounding the River Clyde which would increase foot traffic and tourism.

The proposal was submitted to the Glasgow City Council for a trial project. At this point, ZM Architecture is hopeful the citizens of Glasgow and the Glasgow City Council will implement a trial project of this innovative alternative project.