The solar farm erected over the water surface of Lanshan Reservoir in Xiepu town, Zhenhai district, Ningbo. [Photo/Zhejiang News]

A solar farm built over the water surface of Lanshan Reservoir has achieved a win-win result.

Situated in Xiepu town, Zhenhai district, Ningbo, the reservoir, built in 1975, has a water area of 3,300 mu (220 hectares), and a depth of 3 to 4 meters.

The 1.45-billion-yuan solar farm is capable of generating 209 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 100,000 households in Zhenhai. 

The power generated by photovoltaic modules placed over the water is usually higher than those placed on rooftops and grounds because of the cooling effect of water. 

Annually, the solar farm can reduce the consumption of standard coal by about 60,000 metric tons, carbon dioxide emissions by 151,300 tons, sulfur dioxide emissions by 5,000 tons and nitrogen oxides emissions by 532 tons.

Meanwhile, its establishment has also increased the reservoir's fish yields by 10 million yuan ($1.54 million), or 20 percent.

Access to the reservoir is strictly controlled to ensure water purity as it is a backup source of drinking water for Zhoushan Island.