Solar Canal System

Abstract

The solar conduit system combines photovoltaic( PV) panels with irrigation conduits to cause renewable energy and prevent water wastage. It minimizes evaporation by shading the conduit face, primarily in parched and semi-arid areas. This dual- use strategy improves land- use efficiency without compromising on greenfield land. Solar panel shading restricts sunlight exposure, inhibiting algae growth in the conduit water. Reduced water temperature due to shading could benefit submarine ecosystems. The system accommodates both clean energy pretences and sustainable agrarian behaviours. Optimization of design enhances energy affair and water saving performance. One of the most prosperous sources of future renewable energy is solar energy. The solar energy can be removed by a PV system. there are many designs for PV installation that are executed, such as rooftop PV systems, levee top PV systems, floating PV, conduit top PV systems, etc. In the conduit top system, PV panels are installed over the water conduit, which conserves installation area and minimizes evaporation loss. The efficiency of any PV system relies significantly on the intensity of light, and hence by implementing a concentrating PV system power affair can be maximized. The operation of a concentrated PV system can decrease the cost of investment per kWh. The design reflects a sustainable outcome that favours both clean energy pretences and farming water operation. The paper discusses the design, practicability, energy business, and ecological advantages of imposing solar conduit systems.

Introduction

Renewable energy, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, is key to sustainable energy development but is underutilized despite its potential. To improve efficiency and reduce costs, solar concentrators (like mirrors) are used to increase solar irradiance on PV panels. This research focuses on a canal top solar system that uses aeroplane mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto solar panels installed above irrigation canals.

Key parameters affecting performance—irradiance, temperature, and shading—are optimized. The canal water naturally cools the panels, reducing the need for additional cooling. A glass cover helps minimize water evaporation and allows sunlight to reach the panels effectively.

Literature Review Highlights:

• Concentrated solar power and canal top solar projects improve land use efficiency and water conservation.

• Prior studies emphasize solar energy’s importance for sustainable development, including in irrigation and smart city applications.

• Research covers effects on evaporation, water quality, and power production from solar canals.

Objectives:

• Design a simple, pollution-free solar electricity generation system.

• Enable electricity supply even during power outages.

Research Methodology:

• PV modules are mounted above canals, connected in series and parallel.

• Power electronics (buck-boost converters), charge controllers, batteries, and inverters are used for efficient power management and grid connection.

Data Analysis:

• Canal dimensions and solar panel specifications were used to calculate output.

• Six solar panels (70x70 mm each) cover a 30 cm canal length.

• System output: 24V, 0.2A, 4.8W power.

Future Scope:

• Expand deployment in rural areas to power irrigation pumps, borewells, and household electricity.

• Use generated electricity for EV charging stations near canal locations.

This canal top solar approach offers an innovative solution to harness solar power efficiently while conserving water and land resources.

Conclusion

The canal solar power project is an innovative and efficient solution that offers dual benefits. It harnesses solar energy to generate clean electricity while simultaneously reducing water evaporation from canals. This environmentally friendly approach optimizes land use, conserves vital water resources, and is particularly well-suited for regions with abundant sunlight and limited water availability.

References

[1] Neha Sananse, Snehal Povekar, Anjali Wagh, Sayali Donde, Keerthi Gurani, N. V. Khadake “The Canal Top Solar Power Generation Project” International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology. [2] Miss Asha Hanaji “The Concept of Canal Top Solar Power Plant” International Journal of Research Publication and Review 2022 ISSN 2582-7421.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Nandini N., Bharath N J, Likith A, Nithin A, Vijay Kumar H. K. . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.