Solar power is booming
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A Texas town plans to rely 100 per cent on renewable energy from solar and wind generators. Similarly, Florida will add 500 megawatts of solar generating capacity by 2024, which will triple the amount of solar (234MW) it currently has.
Brazil is installing solar on water – on panels floating on a reservoir. As the renewable-energy industry continues to boom, floating solar panels are being installed in India, South Korea, Australia and the US. In addition to being a clean source of energy, the combination of solar panels and bodies of water is beneficial for another reason: By shading the water, the panels reduce evaporation, helping conserve water in drought-prone areas.
The floating solar panels in Brazil will have a capacity of 350MW. Currently Japan holds the record, with an output topping 13.4MW. One megawatt can provide power for about 250 Thai homes.
Ken Albertsen
Chiang Rai
