Alternative Energy: The Sun and the Reservoirs

All life forms on the planet must thank the sun. Without the sun heating up water to gas we would not have the water cycle and it would not rain. Rain keeps most of plant life alive and therefore all organisms on the planet earth alive. However, the sun has a flaw. Throughout history mankind has learned ways to control and save water. This includes constructing buildings like water reservoirs. Here the sun works against us. Slowly, the sun evaporates all the water and wastes water that could have been used. Studies by the United Nations have shown that more water is evaporating from our reservoirs than is being consumed by humans. The recent climate change and drought in the west has only made these matters worse by causing even more water than ever before to evaporate from our reservoirs. Little has been done to try and solve this issue other than a few political meetings. However, there is a possible solution to the evaporation crisis. Solar panels.

By placing solar panels over water reservoirs we could save so much water that we would otherwise lose due to evaporation. According to research by UNESCO, in 2010 over 15,625,000 kilometers of water were lost due to evaporation. This number is still rising now in 2016. By placing solar panels over reservoirs the water consumed by human beings is expected to increase by more than half. That means more water in people’s taps and shower heads. Saving water is not the only benefit of having solar panels over our reservoirs. Having solar panels over our reservoirs would provide tons of sustainable energy that could be used to power the area around or the reservoir itself. An efficient solar panel can raise up to 230 watts per meter squared. If one were to cover the Hoover Dam with solar panels, not including its crest, about 73,000 watts of power could be made. That's enough energy to power the average home for 6 years. If most water reservoirs in america put solar panels over their water so much excess power could be made and used. We could save so much potential water that would otherwise be wasted. Ultimately it's getting 2 benefits for the price of 1.

This idea has already started to pop up in some places of the world. Take Japan for example, over 50,000 solar panels float on top of Yamakua dam. These panels generate about 16,700 megawatts of energy in a year. This is enough to power 5,000 homes and generate 57% more power than the average solar panel. A similar act is being carried out in Brazil. Where a small flooded area, now being used as an artificial lake, has solar panels placed on it. such a ridiculous amount of benefit can be achieved by any reservoir in any country and is an ideal way to slow down the evaporation of our reservoirs and eventually check off the issue entirely. Why not start saving water and getting more power while doing so?

Sources: New Solar Plants Generate Floating Green Power, Brazil Uses Dammed Lake Surface for Floating Solar Panels

Image Credit: william2029

#electricity #sustainability #alternativeenergy #global