Local Sydney company Infratech Industries has notched up its first export sale for its innovative floating solar power system, selling a "IKEA kit"-style project to a city in California that will generate electricity as well as reducing water evaporation.

Involving 276 rafts, more than 3500 solar panels and 12 treatment pumps, the system will power a water treatment plant in Holtville, in the state's central south, and is expected to generate 20 per cent more power than a similar onshore plant would.

The new Californian project will be similar to Infratech's floating plant in Jamestown in northern South Australia. Supplied

Infratech chief executive Rajesh Nellore won't reveal the cost of the system, or generation costs, but says the value comes from benefits that reach well beyond power production, including reduced water evaporation, the prevention of blue-green algae outbreaks, and improved access for maintenance and water treatment.

"Power is just one way to pay back the cost of the system," Dr Nellore said, estimating the power and water benefits at about 50:50.

Target customers for the system, which can be installed on existing water areas such as desalination plants, are local councils and governments in Australia and the US, with the focus on drought-afflicted California.