Why Covering Canals With Solar Panels Is a Power Move

[202_Cyclist]

This is a great idea. Solar should also be installed in the medians and right-of-ways of highways.

Why Covering Canals With Solar Panels Is a Power Move

https://www.wired.com/story/why-cove...XoQnfaPDRD08Ds

[valeriialol]

There are a few reasons why covering canals with solar panels is a power move. First, solar panels can help to reduce evaporation from the canal, which can help to conserve water. Second, solar panels can provide shade for the canal, which can help to keep the water cooler and reduce evaporation. Third, solar panels can generate electricity, power pumps, and other equipment to maintain the canal. Fourth, solar panels can help to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Fifth, solar panels can help create jobs installing and maintaining the solar panel array. On www.luminsmart.com, you can find more benefits by reading their articles.

[Lost Island]

Not just solar panels (from a fairly recent article). This company is already deploying these turbine systems in canals in Colorado. Thousands of miles of irrigation canals in the US alone could be fitted with these.

Mini hydro company raises $18M to generate power in canals



BY ISABELLA O’MALLEY
Published 9:19 PM EDT, April 13, 2023

A startup business that places small turbines in irrigation canals to generate electricity has raised $18.4 million to scale up its technology for carbon-free hydropower.

Emily Morris, CEO and founder of Emrgy, said her inspiration for making electricity in places that some people might find unlikely was seeing water swiftly flowing through the vast network of U.S. irrigation infrastructure. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation alone operates 1,600 miles of main canals.

In the same way that putting solar on rooftops avoids disturbing the land, making use of existing canals means the hydropower turbines don’t have to disturb the natural environment.

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Associated Press