Description
The new “solar canal” in Turlock, California, provides shade to limit water evaporation in Central Valley irrigation canals, while generating power, all in one neat package. The solar panels have also mitigated algae growth and saved money that would have been spent on cleaning algae out of the canals. Despite these energy efficient qualities, putting solar panels over canals in other regions may prove to be a challenge. KQED reporter Ella Jackson shares her findings with Brian Watt and discusses some unexpected savings and other ideas for a more energy efficient way of life.
Learn more:
https://www.kqed.org/science/2002033/heres-what-california-is-learning-from-solar-panels-built-over-irrigation-canals
✏️ VIDEO CHAPTERS ✏️
00:00 Introduction
1:10 Describe the solar panels that cover a portion of the water canal in Turlock, California.
2:02 How much water is lost to evaporation in irrigation canals?
3:00 Where are solar canals being tested?
3:40 Why do solar canals have a gap between the water and the solar panel?
4:27 How much power is the Turlock solar canal producing?
4:55 How much water could be preserved by preventing evaporation with solar panels over water?
6:57 How have the Turlock solar canals performed? What were some surprises?
8:03 What are the challenges of getting to approval for building a solar canal?
10:52 Why can’t solar panels float on canals like reservoirs
11:39 Can you put solar panels next to canals?
12:05 Will the support structures for the solar panels interfere with the water in the canal?
12:25 how many solar panels are in the Sierra Nevada?
13:20 What can you put solar panels on?
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