Renewable and solar energy developers have partnered with Utah’s Mountain Regional Water Services District to launch the state’s district the first floating solar farm.

Ameresco and D3Energy worked together to build the 587.5-kilowatt array that sits on the Signal Hill Water Treatment Plant’s detention pond under the name Electrek. reported. The system was designed to generate 871,086 kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually.

“Traditional ground or rooftop solar was not an option for us at this facility, but this innovative floating solar facility taps into an untapped resource,” said Chris Braun, Mountain’s regional director of technology, according to the article.

“This is one more piece of the puzzle for us to reach a net zero energy goal as we strive to be responsible stewards of the community and the environment.”

Electrek explained that clean solar energy generated by floating farm it will offset 92% of the sewage treatment plant’s electricity consumption from the network and reduce total site costs by 80%.

Floating solar farms like the Signal Hill facility help conserve land use and limit water evaporation, which is essential in arid regions like Utah. In addition, using clean energy at the site will eliminate up to 609 metric tons of planet-warming emissions per year, which is equivalent to burning 670,649 pounds of dirty coal, the report said.

Developments like this are consistent with similar projects being undertaken by the US government. The Department of the Interior has invested 19 million dollars to install solar panels over irrigation canals in California, Oregon, and Utah.

As in Signal Hill, solar arrays it will help avoid evaporation and protect critical water sources, while also being cooled by the water below, helping to maintain efficient operation. In addition, their placement helps to mitigate unwanted growth of algae and aquatic plants, helping to save on maintenance costs.

“Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have historic new resources to invest in innovative solutions that advance our clean energy goals and make Western communities more resilient to drought and climate change,” Principal Deputy to Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Michael Brain said.

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“In partnership with state, tribal, and local stakeholders, the Department of the Interior will continue to invest in critical water infrastructure projects that mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and invest in communities across the country.”

It is clean sun moving forward quickly around the globe and we find more examples of how photovoltaics can work together with other promotion efforts biodiversity and conservation.

Floating solar arrays, dual use agricultureand pollinator friendly All installations help us move towards our net zero 2050 goals while benefiting the natural environment.

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