Morocco Solar Panels Reduce Water Loss on Dams

– bySébastien A. · 2 min read
Morocco Solar Panels Reduce Water Loss on Dams

To address water shortages and growing energy demand, Morocco is considering installing floating solar panels on its dams. This innovative technology would reduce evaporation while increasing clean electricity production.

A recent scientific study examined equipping 58 Moroccan dams with floating photovoltaic systems. These basins total nearly 433 square kilometers and see approximately 909 million cubic meters of water evaporate each year. Facing recurring water stress, covering part of the water proves highly relevant. The panels block direct exposure to sun and heat, slowing evaporation while generating electricity.

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The analyses show that a 31-degree inclination ensures the best performance. However, an angle reduced to 11 degrees remains interesting for stabilizing the installation and maximizing water conservation. According to the study, developing barely 1% of these dams’ surface would cover a significant portion of the country’s electrical needs, with rapid return on investment. This technique also avoids occupying highly coveted land, while the cooling effect of water boosts panel efficiency against extreme heat.

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Concrete tests are already underway on the territory. The kingdom relies notably on the Sidi Slimane power plant and the Oued Rmel dam project, designed to supply energy to the Tanger Med port. This momentum is part of a precise timeline aiming to reach 52% renewable energy in the national mix by 2030. With its 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, the country has all the cards to dominate the regional floating solar market.