Introduction to Evaporation
Water is very important for farming and farm dams are crucial for irrigation, cattle, and keeping rural communities alive in Australia and around the world.
But every year, millions of litres of valuable water are lost to evaporation, especially in hot, dry places like much of inland Australia.
One effective method to reduce water loss is through the use of solar panels for farm dams, which can significantly lower evaporation rates.
Solar panels for farm dams are becoming an essential tool for modern farmers looking to optimize water use in their irrigation systems.
By implementing solar panels for farm dams, farmers can ensure better water retention while also generating electricity.
The integration of solar panels for farm dams not only aids in water conservation but also provides a renewable energy source.
As a dam builder and evaporation expert with 30 years of experience, I have seen how hard it is for farmers to save water. I now believe that the best way to stop evaporation is to put solar panels, preferably floating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, on farm dams.
Solar Panels for Farm Dams: A Sustainable Solution
This blog post looks at the science, how it works, the pros and cons of utilising solar panels to cut down on evaporation from farm dams by a lot. It uses the most recent research and real-world examples.
Why Evaporation Is Important
Evaporation is when water changes into vapour and leaves the ground.
This can imply losing as much as 40% of stored water each year on open water bodies like farm dams, depending on the weather in the area.
When there are extended periods of drought and not enough water, these kinds of losses can be severe because they make it less likely that crops and animals will get enough water.
Standard ways to stop evaporation, including chemical coatings, shade balls, or floating covers, haven’t worked very well or have caused new difficulties.
What if we could save water and make renewable electricity at the same time?
The Science: How Solar Panels Keep Things From Evaporating
“Floatovoltaics,” or floating solar panels, are solar PV systems that are installed on floating platforms that sit on the surface of water bodies.
Research indicates that solar panels for farm dams can lower evaporation significantly, making them a wise investment.
The deployment of solar panels for farm dams is a forward-thinking solution for tackling drought challenges.
Farmers who choose solar panels for farm dams can achieve dual benefits of water savings and energy production.
These panels do two important things when installed on farm dams:
• Physical Barrier: The panels stop direct sunlight and wind from reaching the water surface, which greatly lowers the energy available to drive evaporation.
With solar panels for farm dams, the agricultural sector can embrace sustainable practices while addressing water scarcity.
• Thermal Regulation: The panels keep the water cooler by absorbing sunlight to make electricity, which further slows down evaporation.
The innovative use of solar panels for farm dams can enhance the resilience of farming operations in arid regions.
Solar panels for farm dams are crucial for effective water management strategies in the face of climate change.
Utilizing solar panels for farm dams can help farmers reduce their environmental impact while maximizing productivity.
Field studies have demonstrated that covering a substantial area of a dam’s surface with floating solar panels can diminish evaporation by 60% or more.
The future of farming looks promising with the implementation of solar panels for farm dams as a viable solution.
Some controlled trials have shown reductions of up to 70%
Evidence from the Real World: Case Studies and Data
Results from Other Countries
Solar panels for farm dams can significantly enhance farm efficiency and sustainability.
• Brazilian Reservoirs: A 130 kW floating solar system put on the Passaúna reservoir cut evaporation by 60%, saving millions of gallons of water per year.
• Jordanian Agricultural Ponds: Studies in semi-arid areas showed that evaporation dropped by an average of 59% over nine months, with even bigger savings at the times when evaporation was at its highest.
Investing in solar panels for farm dams is a strategic move for long-term agricultural success.
As farmers consider their options, solar panels for farm dams should be at the top of the list.
The adoption of solar panels for farm dams will play a crucial role in the future of sustainable farming.
Many studies support the effectiveness of solar panels for farm dams in reducing water evaporation.
Farmers are increasingly turning to solar panels for farm dams as a solution to combat water loss.
The efficiency of solar panels for farm dams can lead to significant cost savings for farmers.
• India’s Jayakwadi Project: Solar panels that float on a dam cut down on evaporation by up to 70% and also made electricity for use in the area.
In Australia
Understanding the benefits of solar panels for farm dams is key for modern agricultural practices.
Australia has a huge agricultural sector and a lot of droughts, so this technology might really help the country.
Solar panels for farm dams represent an intelligent investment in sustainable farming.
The integration of solar panels for farm dams into agricultural practices can lead to a brighter future.
Putting solar panels on agricultural dams not only saves water, but it also uses all the sunlight Australia gets to provide sustainable electricity that can be used on the farm or sent to the grid.
The Double Dividend: Saving Water and Using Clean Energy
Farmers can get a unique “double dividend” from floating solar panels:
• Water Conservation: By keeping the water shaded, panels lower evaporation and help keep dam levels higher all year long.
Solar panels for farm dams not only provide power but also protect vital water resources.
• Renewable Energy: The electricity can be used to power irrigation pumps, outbuildings, and cold storage, or it can be sold back to the grid, which lowers energy prices and carbon footprints.
More Benefits
• Land Optimisation: Putting solar panels on dam surfaces keeps important farmland for agriculture and animals.
• Better Water Quality: Shading stops algae and aquatic weeds from growing, which makes maintenance easier and the water better for cattle and irrigation
• Higher PV Efficiency: Water cools solar panels, which makes them work better. This makes them more efficient than systems on land in hot regions.
Things to think about while designing farm dams: coverage area
The more surface area that solar panels cover, the less water will evaporate.
But it’s not always possible or required to cover the whole dam. Covering 60–80% of the surface can give you most of the benefits while still letting people get to the dam in case of an emergency, letting animals wander around, and keeping the dam in good shape.
Systems that float vs. systems that stay in place
Floating systems are the best way to regulate evaporation, although fixed solar arrays can also provide some shade if they are put on dam embankments or other surrounding buildings.
Floating systems, on the other hand, make the most of every square metre of water and energy.
Stability and Anchoring
The water levels in farm dams frequently change, and the wind and waves can be high. To maintain floating solar arrays stable and safe over time, they need good anchoring and mooring systems. Each site needs its own engineering solutions based on its depth, shape, and exposure.
Durability and upkeep
It is important to check floating solar panels often for dirt, bird droppings and wear and tear on the parts.
Improvements in materials and design have made things last longer, but ease of access for maintenance is still a big concern.
Environmental Impact: While the benefits are evident, care must be taken to avoid harming aquatic habitats. Panels should be put up so that light may get through at the margins for aquatic plants and so that fish and birds don’t have their habitats disturbed.
Analysis of Costs and Benefits
The initial cost of floating solar is higher than that of land-based systems since it needs floats, mooring, and special installation. But over time, the savings from less water loss and lower energy costs can make the investment quite appealing, especially because the price of solar PV keeps going down.
Sources of Income
Farmers may sell extra electricity back to the grid in many places, which gives them a new source of money. Government subsidies for renewable energy can make the economics even better.
Value Over Time
The increasing popularity of solar panels for farm dams highlights their effectiveness in farming.
Floating solar panels help farms survive droughts, increased energy bills, and stricter rules about water use and emissions by saving water and creating clean electricity.
Ultimately, solar panels for farm dams are transforming how we think about resource management.
Solar panels for farm dams could become a standard practice in modern agriculture for sustainability.
Farmers Should Take These Steps
1. Site Assessment: Look at the size, shape, depth, and how much sun and wind the dam gets.
2. Feasibility Study: Look at how much energy is needed, how much solar energy could be produced, and how much energy is lost through evaporation.
3. System Design: Collaborate with seasoned engineers to create a floating solar system specifically for your dam.
4. Installation: Hire contractors who know how to work with both solar and dam infrastructure.
5. Operation and Maintenance: Set up a schedule for cleaning, checking, and making little repairs.
Problems and Ways to Solve Them
Problems with Technology
• Anchoring in Deep or Irregular Dams: To stay stable, you may need custom mooring solutions and wave attenuators.
• Access for Maintenance: Floating walkways or modular designs can make it easier to get to.
• Bad Weather: Systems need to be able to handle storms, strong winds, and changing water levels.
Concerns about the environment
• Ecosystem Effects: Putting them in the right position and covering them partially can help protect aquatic life.
• Water Quality: Research shows that floating solar can actually make water quality better by cutting down on algae blooms.
Barriers to the economy
• Upfront Cost: Financing alternatives, grants, and group buying might help with the upfront cost.
• Technical Expertise: Working with skilled suppliers makes sure that performance is stable and long-lasting.
The Future: Bigger and Better Hybrid Systems
There is a lot of potential for floating solar on farm dams. Researchers throughout the world think that if all eligible reservoirs had floating solar panels, they could meet up to 40% of the world’s electrical needs and save enough water to sustain hundreds of millions of people every year.
Hybrid systems that use solar power during the day and hydropower at night or when it’s cloudy are even more flexible and efficient. They work with existing hydropower or irrigation systems.
In conclusion: A Win-Win for Water and Power
I have worked in the field for thirty years, and I think that combining solar panels with farm dams is the best way to limit evaporation.
This solution solves two of agriculture’s main problems—lack of water and rising energy costs—in one smart, long-lasting way.
Australian farmers can protect their businesses for the future, save important water resources, and lead the way in the switch to sustainable energy by using floating solar. If you plan well, build strong structures, and care for the environment, the benefits will last for decades.
Key Points
• Floating solar panels can cut down on evaporation from farm dams by 60–70%.
• They make clean, renewable energy, which makes farms more sustainable and profitable.
• Proper design and maintenance are important for long-term performance and minimal environmental impact
• The technology is scalable, adaptable, and already proven in real-world applications around the world.
If you want to protect your farm’s water and energy future, think about putting floating solar panels on your dam. This is the best way to stop evaporation and power your farm in the future.
More reading:
How Can Solar Panels Prevent Evaporation of Water
Floating solar PV to reduce water evaporation in water stressed regions