The Texas Water Journal published an article in the Volume 10, Number 1, 2019 issue titled “Floating Solar: An Emerging Opportunity at the Energy-Water Nexus” by Carlos Gamarra and Jennifer J. Ronk.
This article summarizes the benefits of Texas using floating solar panels to alleviate some of the pressures on water and electricity supplies due to tremendous population growth. According to the abstract, Texas is a leader in renewable energy production experiencing tremendous growth in the solar energy sector. A new photovoltaic (PV) technology, floating solar, use the same types of PV panels as land-based systems, but the panels are either floating in the water or suspended over a water body. Floating solar panels are capable of producing more energy than terrestrial systems because of the cooling effect and reflectivity of the water. Other benefits include a significant reduction in water evaporation and improved water quality because of the shade provided by the solar panels.
The journal, an online, peer-reviewed journal published by the nonprofit The Texas Water Journal and the Texas Water Resources Institute, publishes papers as they are complete. It is devoted to the timely consideration of Texas water resources management, research and policy issues from a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates science, engineering, law, planning and other disciplines. It also provides updates on key state legislation and policy changes by Texas administrative agencies.
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