Noria Energy has launched Airon, a U.S.-manufactured floating solar tracking system. Airon's design aims to generate more electricity with a project footprint and rated capacity similar to fixed-tilt floating systems.

Noria plans to install its first commercial pilot project, Airon, by the end of 2026 and is expected to begin delivering its certified commercial products to customer sites by mid-2027, in addition to existing demonstration projects.

"Floating solar can transform underutilized water surfaces into productive energy assets without competing for scarce land," said Alex Meyer, CEO of Noria. "With Airon, we bring the advantages of solar tracking to water surfaces—delivering up to 20% more energy for customers at the same installation cost as fixed tilt systems. This makes floating solar more productive, scalable, and commercially attractive.". ”

Most floating solar systems use components installed at fixed angles. Airon introduced horizontal single-axis tracking technology for water surfaces, enabling the components to follow the sun's movement throughout the day. Airon was developed based on mature ground-mounted photovoltaic tracker principles but specifically engineered for aquatic environments, requiring the equipment to withstand wind, waves, water level fluctuations, and anchoring loads. The tracker features a low-profile design with passive stabilizers and automatically retracts during severe weather. Contractors can install the system using familiar equipment and construction methods from solar engineering, procurement, and construction firms, without the need for specialized tools.

Airon is developing distributed projects for utility-scale installations and supplying power to nearby commercial, industrial, agricultural, and public sector customers. Noria has been involved in the floating solar sector since 2018, developing and testing its technology through progressively scaled pilot projects.

Norway is developing Ellen around domestic supply chains and the U.S. regional manufacturing network. The design of domestic procurement also aims to assist clients seeking compliance with relevant U.S. domestic content and focus on foreign entity requirements.

Floating solar remains an emerging field in the United States, with its permitting, insurance, and operational standards still under continuous refinement. However, research led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) revealed that by 2022, global floating solar installations had surpassed 13 gigawatts. NREL also estimated that federally controlled reservoirs alone in the U.S. could technically support hundreds of gigawatts of floating solar capacity.