Water evaporation tends to be a very small conveyance loss in canals. I’ve found sources saying 0.24% of total inflow, so a 70% reduction still probably doesn’t justify the increased construction cost by itself…
If it doesn’t significantly increase maintenance and repair costs of either the panels or the canal it’s probably still a good idea.
Bifacial panels, which get energy from both sides, would benefit from light reflecting off of the water surface. At least on the surface it seems like this is a pretty ideal situation for those.
Water evaporation tends to be a very small conveyance loss in canals. I’ve found sources saying 0.24% of total inflow, so a 70% reduction still probably doesn’t justify the increased construction cost by itself…
If it doesn’t significantly increase maintenance and repair costs of either the panels or the canal it’s probably still a good idea.
Bifacial panels, which get energy from both sides, would benefit from light reflecting off of the water surface. At least on the surface it seems like this is a pretty ideal situation for those.
Which it probably does? I mean, the whole “put solar panels over highways” shtick had the same main issue.
I think you’re not considering the Chinese perspective.