How Solar Panels Can Help Solve California's Drought
Considering the state's drought and climate change, California is looking at new ways to conserve water. One way is to install photovoltaic panels above water canals. These panels would prevent evaporation and water loss in the hot summer months. This would help conserve water, prevent aquatic weed growth, and provide renewable energy. One project is underway in Turlock Irrigation District in California. The district has a water and power system that provides water and electricity to the agricultural community in the Central Valley. It operates about 90 miles north of Fresno. They plan to build a solar canal on a small portion of their aqueducts to test out the idea. The District plans to build 8500 feet of solar panels over their aqueducts and generate 5 megawatts of electricity. The project is being funded by the state. The Turlock Irrigation District has received $20 million from the state to develop this project. They plan to launch the project mid-October. In addition to gen...