Solar power growth across the world is exploding, as the fastest-growing source of electricity generation for the 19th year in a row, and accounting for 49% of global electricity demand growth.

Floating solar installations are relatively new, and they serve multiple purposes. By installing solar on top of reservoirs or lakes, they free up land for other uses. The flat nature of water makes the panels stable and easy to install. And even better, their placement on reservoirs and the like reduce the evaporation that happens, especially in arid landscapes.

Utah just completed its first floating solar farm, at the Signal Hill Water Treatment Plant, a 587.5 kilowatt (KW) floating solar array that dramatically reduces power costs, and replaces dirty coal at the same time.

Renewable developer Ameresco teamed up with water utility Mountain Regional Water Special Service District for this project, which we hope will be the first of many. Check out the video of the project via Apollo Energy.


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Ben VanderVeen is the founder and editor of Moss & Fog, one of the web’s longest-running visual culture destinations. Since 2009, he’s been finding and framing the most beautiful, surprising, and thought-provoking work in art, architecture, design, and nature — reaching over 325,000 readers each month. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

5 Comments

  1. They take up so much land so this seems like a better place to put them for the environment.

  2. objectspeedily780b818fb3

    Eye pollution? These are on water treatment settlement ponds. When was the last time you walked out by your local sewage plant to relax and look at wildlife?

  3. objectspeedily780b818fb3

    Now that is intelligent resource design and management.

  4. Eye pollution. It looks terrible. Hope it’s not detrimental to wildlife.

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