UC Merced study explores benefits of covering California's canals with solar panels - KFSN-TV

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Across the state of California lies thousands of miles of canals, but what if they could serve a dual purpose?

"Imagine driving down I-5 and seeing canals covered with solar panels and being able to charge your electric vehicle as you go from Fresno to Los Angeles," said UC Merced Professor of Engineering Roger Bales.Researchers at UC Merced and Santa Cruz are digging into a new possibility - covering California's canals with solar panels.

"What we found were some pretty exciting findings," said post doctoral scholar at UC Santa Cruz Brandi McKuin.

"We estimate solar canals could reduce evaporation and save upwards of 65 billion gallons of water.

"We really need to think about how to achieve multiple benefits with an investment not just one benefit."

Published On: Fri, 02 Apr 2021 01:41:50 GMT