Solar canal
Solar canals are irrigation canals fitted with solar panels. The arrangement has multiple benefits. The first operative system is in Gujarat, India.
Benefits
By placing solar panels above irrigated water, evaporation is lessened. Studies from the Canal Solar Power Project in India, show that the shade helps reduce weeds, as well as de-weeding costs. The photovoltaic panels benefit from evaporative cooling. The panels remain cooler, thus reflecting less light and thereby absorbing more energy.[1] Given that solar collectors are often built on arable land or natural ecosystems, solar canals could reduce land lost to energy production.
History
A large project in Gujarat, India was completed in 2014. Its success led to the initiation of many other projects in India. [2] Gujarat has plans to build 19,000 kilometers of solar canals. [3]
The state of California is moving ahead with plans to build large scale solar canals.[4] The initial project is set to be completed in 2023. [5]
Challenges
Solar canals are more costly to install than land-based solar collectors. They also require somewhat more challenging maintenance.[6]
- ^ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/california-is-about-to-test-its-first-solar-canals-180979637/
- ^ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200803-the-solar-canals-revolutionising-indias-renewable-energy
- ^ https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/green-tech/news/a16516/indias-ingenious-solar-canals/
- ^ https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/california-cover-canal-with-solar-panels-experiment-fight-drought-climate-change-2022-08-25/
- ^ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-solar-panels-canals-drought/
- ^ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200803-the-solar-canals-revolutionising-indias-renewable-energy