The Immense Potential Of Solar Panels Floating On Dams
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the Anthropocene.
The article reviews the practice of floating solar panels on ponds, lakes and reservoirs.
I like the practice, as the two technologies are compatible.
- The panels reduce evaporation and help to curb algae growth.
- Floating panels are cooled by the environment and more efficient.
- Solar and hydro power can share electricity transmission systems.
But best of all. they use land twice.
The article claims that as much as forty percent of the world’s power can be generated this way.
The article is certainly an interesting read.
The Anonymous Widower 
I would suggest using the solar, or wind power to pump the water that has passed through the turbines back up into the dam. This has been done elsewhere.
Comment by Robin St.Clair | August 14, 2021 |
This is suggested vin the article.
Comment by AnonW | August 14, 2021 |
Maybe an even more stimulating 6 minutes that builds on subject
Let’s hope there aren’t any unforeseen environmental issues.
Comment by fammorris | August 14, 2021 |
I think if there were any issues they’d have surfaced by now, as some installation must be four years old.
There’s at least three installations in the UK.
Comment by AnonW | August 14, 2021 |
I always wonder why the world doesn’t just get on with these good ideas too much prevarication going on as too many vested interests.
Comment by Nicholas Lewis | August 14, 2021 |
The reservoirs in the UK, use the power to run the reservoirs. I suspect with these solar systems you won’t get sanction from the accountants until you’ve got all the data to show the costs. And that might take a year or so.
These projects may not be as simple as they seem.
But I suspect, as we see more of these, they’ll go forth and multiply, as water utilities probably talk to each other about new ideas.
Comment by AnonW | August 14, 2021 |
The article shows other countries have done it. We spend too much time reinventi g the wheel here just use someone elses exoerience and get on with it as the world can’t afford to keep prevaricating.
Comment by Nicholas Lewis | August 15, 2021
Certainly, United Utilities just got on with it on their two installations, where the solar power is used to power the local works. They used French expertise for the first and got a local firm to design and manufacture the plastic floats.
Interestingly, UU is a public company, so that hasn’t held them back!
Comment by AnonW | August 15, 2021 |