INTER-TECH Develops Solar Mounts for Fish Farm Energy Projects

Solar energy systems for aquaculture and renewable infrastructure
In renewable energy and aquaculture infrastructure, combining multiple land uses is becoming increasingly important in regions with limited available space. A large-scale project on Taiwan’s west coast demonstrates how solar energy systems can be integrated into fish farming operations. Taiwanese sheet-metal specialist INTER-TECH has developed and manufactures mounting systems for solar panels installed above fish-breeding ponds, allowing solar power generation while simultaneously improving aquaculture conditions.

The installation covers approximately 3.5 million square meters and supports solar panels with a combined output of 350 megawatts. Positioned above fish tanks, the panels provide shade that helps regulate water conditions while generating electricity for the facility.




Solar shading for improved aquaculture conditions
In fish farming, water quality and environmental stability are essential for maintaining healthy breeding conditions. The solar panels installed above the tanks provide controlled shading, reducing the intensity of sunlight reaching the water.

By limiting sunlight exposure, the system helps reduce photosynthesis and algae growth, which can negatively affect water quality. The panels also help protect the tanks from heavy rainfall, reducing sudden changes in water conditions that may impact fish populations.

This dual-use concept allows the same land area to support both renewable energy production and aquaculture operations, maximizing land utilization in regions where available space is limited.




Supporting Taiwan’s renewable energy targets
Taiwan has promoted solar energy development through government programs aimed at expanding renewable electricity generation. The country has established long-term climate goals, including a target of climate neutrality by 2050.

Renewable energy sources are expected to contribute a growing share of the national electricity supply, with solar power playing a key role. Although the original target of 20% renewable electricity by 2025 has been postponed to 2026, projects such as solar installations integrated with fish farms contribute to expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity.

At the same time, developers must address challenges including limited land availability, regulatory changes, typhoons, earthquakes, supply chain constraints, and skilled-labor shortages.




Corrosion-resistant mounting systems for extreme environments
The solar panel mounting structures were developed in collaboration with Taiwan’s Metal Industries Research & Development Centre and steel distributor HKS Steel. The systems were designed to withstand demanding environmental conditions including coastal corrosion, strong winds, and seismic activity.

The mounting beams are manufactured from an alloy containing magnesium, aluminum, zinc, and nickel, developed specifically for this application. The material provides high structural strength, corrosion resistance, and a smooth surface finish.

These properties allow the structures to withstand typhoons and earthquakes up to magnitude eight on the Richter scale, ensuring long-term reliability in Taiwan’s challenging climate conditions.




Precision manufacturing of solar mounting components
INTER-TECH manufactures the mounting systems using high-precision sheet-metal processing equipment. The Solar C mount structure consists of approximately 100 individual components, each requiring accurate machining and forming.

Production involves laser cutting and bending processes using TRUMPF equipment, including TruLaser fiber laser cutting systems and a TruBend 8320 bending machine with an automatic tool changer. The systems process steel sheets up to six meters in length and between 32 and 40 millimeters thick.

Material arrives as coiled steel sheets, which are laser cut and drilled before being bent into the final structural components. The manufacturing process allows a six-meter-long workpiece to be bent in approximately 37 seconds, including loading and unloading.

This production efficiency is important because the company processes approximately 1,800 tonnes of mounting components each month for the project.




Assembly methods designed for corrosion resistance
To ensure long-term durability in outdoor conditions, INTER-TECH avoided welding during the design phase of the mounting system. Instead, the components are assembled using bolted connections, which reduce the risk of corrosion at welded joints.

The bolted design requires detailed mechanical calculations using specialized software to analyze the forces acting on the structure. According to the company, this approach provides a competitive advantage in the production of solar mounting systems for challenging environments.

Expanding renewable energy applications
The project demonstrates how renewable energy infrastructure can be combined with existing land uses such as aquaculture. By generating electricity while supporting fish farming operations, the installation improves overall land efficiency.

Future projects are already planned, including a 300-megawatt solar installation at an agricultural farm in Taiwan’s interior. In that project, the mounting systems will incorporate electronics that enable solar tracking, allowing the panels to align with the sun’s position throughout the day to improve energy generation.

For INTER-TECH, the collaboration with TRUMPF has supported the development of high-productivity manufacturing capabilities for these mounting systems. According to the company, investments in advanced sheet-metal processing equipment have enabled increased production capacity and contributed to significant growth in annual turnover.

www.trumpf.com