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#solarpanels — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #solarpanels, aggregated by home.social.

  1. #Cuba - #Solarpowered #tricycles help #Cubans navigate #FuelShortages and blockades

    By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ
    Updated 4:38 PM UTC, July 10, 2026

    HAVANA (AP) — "Cuba’s iconic vintage cars have all but disappeared and in their place, small electric tricycles — most of them made in China — have become the primary means of transportation for hundreds of thousands of Cubans grappling with a prolonged fuel crisis.
    These are no ordinary electric tricycles — many Cubans have outfitted them with #SolarPanels, allowing the vehicles to recharge without relying on the island nation’s strained power grid.

    "The three-wheelers are a far cry from the old-timers that only a year ago cruised the streets spewing clouds of black smoke.

    " 'This is how people get around now,' said 40-year-old Liecer de la Cruz, who owns one of these vehicles.

    "The tricycles, with a cost between $2,000 and $4,000, are used to transport goods and serve fixed routes once covered by buses.

    "While their price is out of reach for most Cubans, many have sold their older gasoline-powered cars to buy the tricycles. Others got them from relatives abroad, where they are generally cheaper, and some small-business owners even used their profits to invest in them, expecting to recoup the cost."

    Read more:
    apnews.com/article/cuba-fuel-c

    Archived version:
    archive.ph/arhCA

    #SolarPunkSunday #PostOil #SolarBikes #SolarTrikes #BikeTooter #USPol #WorldPol #USBlockade

  2. #Cuba - #Solarpowered #tricycles help #Cubans navigate #FuelShortages and blockades

    By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ
    Updated 4:38 PM UTC, July 10, 2026

    HAVANA (AP) — "Cuba’s iconic vintage cars have all but disappeared and in their place, small electric tricycles — most of them made in China — have become the primary means of transportation for hundreds of thousands of Cubans grappling with a prolonged fuel crisis.
    These are no ordinary electric tricycles — many Cubans have outfitted them with #SolarPanels, allowing the vehicles to recharge without relying on the island nation’s strained power grid.

    "The three-wheelers are a far cry from the old-timers that only a year ago cruised the streets spewing clouds of black smoke.

    " 'This is how people get around now,' said 40-year-old Liecer de la Cruz, who owns one of these vehicles.

    "The tricycles, with a cost between $2,000 and $4,000, are used to transport goods and serve fixed routes once covered by buses.

    "While their price is out of reach for most Cubans, many have sold their older gasoline-powered cars to buy the tricycles. Others got them from relatives abroad, where they are generally cheaper, and some small-business owners even used their profits to invest in them, expecting to recoup the cost."

    Read more:
    apnews.com/article/cuba-fuel-c

    Archived version:
    archive.ph/arhCA

    #SolarPunkSunday #PostOil #SolarBikes #SolarTrikes #BikeTooter #USPol #WorldPol #USBlockade

  3. #Cuba - #Solarpowered #tricycles help #Cubans navigate #FuelShortages and blockades

    By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ
    Updated 4:38 PM UTC, July 10, 2026

    HAVANA (AP) — "Cuba’s iconic vintage cars have all but disappeared and in their place, small electric tricycles — most of them made in China — have become the primary means of transportation for hundreds of thousands of Cubans grappling with a prolonged fuel crisis.
    These are no ordinary electric tricycles — many Cubans have outfitted them with #SolarPanels, allowing the vehicles to recharge without relying on the island nation’s strained power grid.

    "The three-wheelers are a far cry from the old-timers that only a year ago cruised the streets spewing clouds of black smoke.

    " 'This is how people get around now,' said 40-year-old Liecer de la Cruz, who owns one of these vehicles.

    "The tricycles, with a cost between $2,000 and $4,000, are used to transport goods and serve fixed routes once covered by buses.

    "While their price is out of reach for most Cubans, many have sold their older gasoline-powered cars to buy the tricycles. Others got them from relatives abroad, where they are generally cheaper, and some small-business owners even used their profits to invest in them, expecting to recoup the cost."

    Read more:
    apnews.com/article/cuba-fuel-c

    Archived version:
    archive.ph/arhCA

    #SolarPunkSunday #PostOil #SolarBikes #SolarTrikes #BikeTooter #USPol #WorldPol #USBlockade

  4. #Cuba - #Solarpowered #tricycles help #Cubans navigate #FuelShortages and blockades

    By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ
    Updated 4:38 PM UTC, July 10, 2026

    HAVANA (AP) — "Cuba’s iconic vintage cars have all but disappeared and in their place, small electric tricycles — most of them made in China — have become the primary means of transportation for hundreds of thousands of Cubans grappling with a prolonged fuel crisis.
    These are no ordinary electric tricycles — many Cubans have outfitted them with #SolarPanels, allowing the vehicles to recharge without relying on the island nation’s strained power grid.

    "The three-wheelers are a far cry from the old-timers that only a year ago cruised the streets spewing clouds of black smoke.

    " 'This is how people get around now,' said 40-year-old Liecer de la Cruz, who owns one of these vehicles.

    "The tricycles, with a cost between $2,000 and $4,000, are used to transport goods and serve fixed routes once covered by buses.

    "While their price is out of reach for most Cubans, many have sold their older gasoline-powered cars to buy the tricycles. Others got them from relatives abroad, where they are generally cheaper, and some small-business owners even used their profits to invest in them, expecting to recoup the cost."

    Read more:
    apnews.com/article/cuba-fuel-c

    Archived version:
    archive.ph/arhCA

    #SolarPunkSunday #PostOil #SolarBikes #SolarTrikes #BikeTooter #USPol #WorldPol #USBlockade

  5. #Cuba - #Solarpowered #tricycles help #Cubans navigate #FuelShortages and blockades

    By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ
    Updated 4:38 PM UTC, July 10, 2026

    HAVANA (AP) — "Cuba’s iconic vintage cars have all but disappeared and in their place, small electric tricycles — most of them made in China — have become the primary means of transportation for hundreds of thousands of Cubans grappling with a prolonged fuel crisis.
    These are no ordinary electric tricycles — many Cubans have outfitted them with #SolarPanels, allowing the vehicles to recharge without relying on the island nation’s strained power grid.

    "The three-wheelers are a far cry from the old-timers that only a year ago cruised the streets spewing clouds of black smoke.

    " 'This is how people get around now,' said 40-year-old Liecer de la Cruz, who owns one of these vehicles.

    "The tricycles, with a cost between $2,000 and $4,000, are used to transport goods and serve fixed routes once covered by buses.

    "While their price is out of reach for most Cubans, many have sold their older gasoline-powered cars to buy the tricycles. Others got them from relatives abroad, where they are generally cheaper, and some small-business owners even used their profits to invest in them, expecting to recoup the cost."

    Read more:
    apnews.com/article/cuba-fuel-c

    Archived version:
    archive.ph/arhCA

    #SolarPunkSunday #PostOil #SolarBikes #SolarTrikes #BikeTooter #USPol #WorldPol #USBlockade

  6. The Clean Energy Regulator has suspended 21 solar companies from the small-scale solar rebate scheme, moved to ban a retailer for falsely claiming installations were complete, and over fake verification photos.

    #solarpanels #solarpower www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/cer-cra...

    Regulator Crackdown On Dodgy S...

  7. The Clean Energy Regulator has suspended 21 solar companies from the small-scale solar rebate scheme, moved to ban a retailer for falsely claiming installations were complete, and over fake verification photos.

    #solarpanels #solarpower www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/cer-cra...

    Regulator Crackdown On Dodgy S...

  8. A question for all the #sun, #nature and #energy experts out there… (sometimes it’s more fun to ask than to spend hours studying it yourself 😉).

    Why is it that on a perfectly sunny day, the energy output of #solarpanels doesn’t produce a smooth, symmetrical curve? Why isn’t the graph nicely balanced from sunrise to sunset?

    Setting aside my appreciation for Dutch dikes and breasts, is this caused by the seasons, the panels themselves, the sun’s speed 😉… or should I blame a conspiracy?

  9. A question for all the #sun, #nature and #energy experts out there… (sometimes it’s more fun to ask than to spend hours studying it yourself 😉).

    Why is it that on a perfectly sunny day, the energy output of #solarpanels doesn’t produce a smooth, symmetrical curve? Why isn’t the graph nicely balanced from sunrise to sunset?

    Setting aside my appreciation for Dutch dikes and breasts, is this caused by the seasons, the panels themselves, the sun’s speed 😉… or should I blame a conspiracy?

  10. A question for all the #sun, #nature and #energy experts out there… (sometimes it’s more fun to ask than to spend hours studying it yourself 😉).

    Why is it that on a perfectly sunny day, the energy output of #solarpanels doesn’t produce a smooth, symmetrical curve? Why isn’t the graph nicely balanced from sunrise to sunset?

    Setting aside my appreciation for Dutch dikes and breasts, is this caused by the seasons, the panels themselves, the sun’s speed 😉… or should I blame a conspiracy?

  11. A question for all the #sun, #nature and #energy experts out there… (sometimes it’s more fun to ask than to spend hours studying it yourself 😉).

    Why is it that on a perfectly sunny day, the energy output of #solarpanels doesn’t produce a smooth, symmetrical curve? Why isn’t the graph nicely balanced from sunrise to sunset?

    Setting aside my appreciation for Dutch dikes and breasts, is this caused by the seasons, the panels themselves, the sun’s speed 😉… or should I blame a conspiracy?

  12. A question for all the #sun, #nature and #energy experts out there… (sometimes it’s more fun to ask than to spend hours studying it yourself 😉).

    Why is it that on a perfectly sunny day, the energy output of #solarpanels doesn’t produce a smooth, symmetrical curve? Why isn’t the graph nicely balanced from sunrise to sunset?

    Setting aside my appreciation for Dutch dikes and breasts, is this caused by the seasons, the panels themselves, the sun’s speed 😉… or should I blame a conspiracy?

  13. Germany’s home battery boom takes off as solar surges, grids strain, and fossil fuel prices jump

    Home battery systems are gaining traction in Germany alongside the country’s massive solar expansion. For househol…
    #Germany #DE #Europe #EU #Europa #andwater #BatteryShowcase #Business #Changethewayyouuseelectricity #cleanenergy #gas #HeatPumps #home #Installsolarpanels #MoneySaving #Opportunities #Qmerit|BatteryStorage #solarpanels #TechShowcase #YahooTech
    europesays.com/germany/57592/

  14. Germany’s home battery boom takes off as solar surges, grids strain, and fossil fuel prices jump

    Home battery systems are gaining traction in Germany alongside the country’s massive solar expansion. For households worried about…
    #Germany #DE #Europe #EU #Europa #batterybackup #batterystorage #fossilfuel #solarexpansion #solaroutput #solarpanels
    europesays.com/germany/57387/

  15. Double harvest: #raspberries and #RenewableEnergy - #FruitLogistica

    Excerpts: "Based on current findings, strawberries do not thrive under #SolarPanels, so this combination of crops does not have a promising future. This was the conclusion of a Wageningen University study on fruit cultivation beneath #photovoltaic systems.

    Strawberries grown beneath solar panels with 25 to 50 per cent light transmission experienced a significant drop in yield – by 25 to 30 per cent.

    The situation was quite different for raspberries, however: under solar panels with 40 per cent light transmission, the harvest yield fell by only five per cent, and the quality of the fruit remained unchanged. At the same time, the panels reduced evaporation and water consumption, protecting the berries from burns and heat peaks.

    The scientists also expect positive effects on #WaterConsumption and protection against #ExtremeWeather conditions.

    [...]

    One clear advantage is that raspberries are currently grown under rain protection films that have to be replaced every five to seven years. This equates to a significant amount of plastic that would no longer be required if solar modules were used instead. And they last at least ten years."

    Full article:
    fruitlogistica.com/en/blog/dou

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarFarms #Solar #RenewableEnergy #RenewablesNow #Agrosolar #Agrovoltaics #SolarPanelAgriculture #SolarOnFarms #SolarEnergy

  16. Double harvest: #raspberries and #RenewableEnergy - #FruitLogistica

    Excerpts: "Based on current findings, strawberries do not thrive under #SolarPanels, so this combination of crops does not have a promising future. This was the conclusion of a Wageningen University study on fruit cultivation beneath #photovoltaic systems.

    Strawberries grown beneath solar panels with 25 to 50 per cent light transmission experienced a significant drop in yield – by 25 to 30 per cent.

    The situation was quite different for raspberries, however: under solar panels with 40 per cent light transmission, the harvest yield fell by only five per cent, and the quality of the fruit remained unchanged. At the same time, the panels reduced evaporation and water consumption, protecting the berries from burns and heat peaks.

    The scientists also expect positive effects on #WaterConsumption and protection against #ExtremeWeather conditions.

    [...]

    One clear advantage is that raspberries are currently grown under rain protection films that have to be replaced every five to seven years. This equates to a significant amount of plastic that would no longer be required if solar modules were used instead. And they last at least ten years."

    Full article:
    fruitlogistica.com/en/blog/dou

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarFarms #Solar #RenewableEnergy #RenewablesNow #Agrosolar #Agrovoltaics #SolarPanelAgriculture #SolarOnFarms #SolarEnergy

  17. Double harvest: #raspberries and #RenewableEnergy - #FruitLogistica

    Excerpts: "Based on current findings, strawberries do not thrive under #SolarPanels, so this combination of crops does not have a promising future. This was the conclusion of a Wageningen University study on fruit cultivation beneath #photovoltaic systems.

    Strawberries grown beneath solar panels with 25 to 50 per cent light transmission experienced a significant drop in yield – by 25 to 30 per cent.

    The situation was quite different for raspberries, however: under solar panels with 40 per cent light transmission, the harvest yield fell by only five per cent, and the quality of the fruit remained unchanged. At the same time, the panels reduced evaporation and water consumption, protecting the berries from burns and heat peaks.

    The scientists also expect positive effects on #WaterConsumption and protection against #ExtremeWeather conditions.

    [...]

    One clear advantage is that raspberries are currently grown under rain protection films that have to be replaced every five to seven years. This equates to a significant amount of plastic that would no longer be required if solar modules were used instead. And they last at least ten years."

    Full article:
    fruitlogistica.com/en/blog/dou

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarFarms #Solar #RenewableEnergy #RenewablesNow #Agrosolar #Agrovoltaics #SolarPanelAgriculture #SolarOnFarms #SolarEnergy

  18. Double harvest: #raspberries and #RenewableEnergy - #FruitLogistica

    Excerpts: "Based on current findings, strawberries do not thrive under #SolarPanels, so this combination of crops does not have a promising future. This was the conclusion of a Wageningen University study on fruit cultivation beneath #photovoltaic systems.

    Strawberries grown beneath solar panels with 25 to 50 per cent light transmission experienced a significant drop in yield – by 25 to 30 per cent.

    The situation was quite different for raspberries, however: under solar panels with 40 per cent light transmission, the harvest yield fell by only five per cent, and the quality of the fruit remained unchanged. At the same time, the panels reduced evaporation and water consumption, protecting the berries from burns and heat peaks.

    The scientists also expect positive effects on #WaterConsumption and protection against #ExtremeWeather conditions.

    [...]

    One clear advantage is that raspberries are currently grown under rain protection films that have to be replaced every five to seven years. This equates to a significant amount of plastic that would no longer be required if solar modules were used instead. And they last at least ten years."

    Full article:
    fruitlogistica.com/en/blog/dou

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarFarms #Solar #RenewableEnergy #RenewablesNow #Agrosolar #Agrovoltaics #SolarPanelAgriculture #SolarOnFarms #SolarEnergy

  19. Double harvest: #raspberries and #RenewableEnergy - #FruitLogistica

    Excerpts: "Based on current findings, strawberries do not thrive under #SolarPanels, so this combination of crops does not have a promising future. This was the conclusion of a Wageningen University study on fruit cultivation beneath #photovoltaic systems.

    Strawberries grown beneath solar panels with 25 to 50 per cent light transmission experienced a significant drop in yield – by 25 to 30 per cent.

    The situation was quite different for raspberries, however: under solar panels with 40 per cent light transmission, the harvest yield fell by only five per cent, and the quality of the fruit remained unchanged. At the same time, the panels reduced evaporation and water consumption, protecting the berries from burns and heat peaks.

    The scientists also expect positive effects on #WaterConsumption and protection against #ExtremeWeather conditions.

    [...]

    One clear advantage is that raspberries are currently grown under rain protection films that have to be replaced every five to seven years. This equates to a significant amount of plastic that would no longer be required if solar modules were used instead. And they last at least ten years."

    Full article:
    fruitlogistica.com/en/blog/dou

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarFarms #Solar #RenewableEnergy #RenewablesNow #Agrosolar #Agrovoltaics #SolarPanelAgriculture #SolarOnFarms #SolarEnergy

  20. #GilaRiverIndianCommunity moves forward with #SolarCanal project, first in country

    by Shondiin Silversmith, November 15, 2023

    "In an effort to address the ongoing drought affecting the Southwest, the Gila River Indian Community is taking an innovative step forward by launching its Solar Canal Project to construct the country’s first solar-over-canal project.

    " 'A tribe is leading the way,' Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said, adding that the shovel-ready project will immediately address water conservation.

    "The Gila River Indian Community and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement on Thursday in Sacaton, kicking off construction on the first phase of the #PimaMaricopa Irrigation Project Renewal Energy Pilot Project, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

    " 'This new technology fits and supports our culture and tradition as we look forward to being sustainable in the future in a very real way,' Lewis said. The project may break new ground for the tribe, but he said it furthers their role as stewards of their water.

    "Lewis said they’re looking at this in terms of a #BlueGreenTribalAgriculturalEconomy, in which blue represents conserving water and green symbolizes #RenewableEnergy.

    "The #GRIC has over 150 miles of canal that could ultimately be covered with solar panels, and this project could be a game changer for creating energy.

    "The first phase of the project involves the construction of solar panels over a portion of the GRIC’s Interstate 10 Level Top canal, according to the tribe, and the project works to conserve water and generate renewable energy for tribal irrigation facilities.

    "David Deyoung, the director of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, said there are two ways this project can conserve water: reducing the evaporative water losses and minimizing water use for power generation. The combination, he said, will save about 200 acre-feet a year.

    "The project is expected to produce approximately one megawatt of renewable energy to offset energy needs and costs for tribal farmers, according to the GRIC.

    "The #SolarPanels are expected to cover more than 1,000 feet of the canal as part of phase one of the project. Lewis said he hopes to launch phase two in December, which involves installing solar panels on top of more canals near #CasaBlanca.

    "Michael Connor, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, called the project incredibly innovative work toward #CleanEnergy and water conservation.

    " 'The community has helped us innovate our process for working with tribes,' Conner said in a video about the signing shared on X.

    "Lewis said it’s great to see all the plans come to fruition, and he believes that the Gila River Indian Community is setting new ground for other tribes to follow."

    Source:
    ictnews.org/news/gila-river-in

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarPower #DroughtProtection #WaterIsLife #PreventingWaterLoss #WaterConservation #SolarPanels #Pima #Maricopa #NativeAmericans #NativeAmericanNews

  21. #GilaRiverIndianCommunity moves forward with #SolarCanal project, first in country

    by Shondiin Silversmith, November 15, 2023

    "In an effort to address the ongoing drought affecting the Southwest, the Gila River Indian Community is taking an innovative step forward by launching its Solar Canal Project to construct the country’s first solar-over-canal project.

    " 'A tribe is leading the way,' Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said, adding that the shovel-ready project will immediately address water conservation.

    "The Gila River Indian Community and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement on Thursday in Sacaton, kicking off construction on the first phase of the #PimaMaricopa Irrigation Project Renewal Energy Pilot Project, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

    " 'This new technology fits and supports our culture and tradition as we look forward to being sustainable in the future in a very real way,' Lewis said. The project may break new ground for the tribe, but he said it furthers their role as stewards of their water.

    "Lewis said they’re looking at this in terms of a #BlueGreenTribalAgriculturalEconomy, in which blue represents conserving water and green symbolizes #RenewableEnergy.

    "The #GRIC has over 150 miles of canal that could ultimately be covered with solar panels, and this project could be a game changer for creating energy.

    "The first phase of the project involves the construction of solar panels over a portion of the GRIC’s Interstate 10 Level Top canal, according to the tribe, and the project works to conserve water and generate renewable energy for tribal irrigation facilities.

    "David Deyoung, the director of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, said there are two ways this project can conserve water: reducing the evaporative water losses and minimizing water use for power generation. The combination, he said, will save about 200 acre-feet a year.

    "The project is expected to produce approximately one megawatt of renewable energy to offset energy needs and costs for tribal farmers, according to the GRIC.

    "The #SolarPanels are expected to cover more than 1,000 feet of the canal as part of phase one of the project. Lewis said he hopes to launch phase two in December, which involves installing solar panels on top of more canals near #CasaBlanca.

    "Michael Connor, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, called the project incredibly innovative work toward #CleanEnergy and water conservation.

    " 'The community has helped us innovate our process for working with tribes,' Conner said in a video about the signing shared on X.

    "Lewis said it’s great to see all the plans come to fruition, and he believes that the Gila River Indian Community is setting new ground for other tribes to follow."

    Source:
    ictnews.org/news/gila-river-in

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarPower #DroughtProtection #WaterIsLife #PreventingWaterLoss #WaterConservation #SolarPanels #Pima #Maricopa #NativeAmericans #NativeAmericanNews

  22. #GilaRiverIndianCommunity moves forward with #SolarCanal project, first in country

    by Shondiin Silversmith, November 15, 2023

    "In an effort to address the ongoing drought affecting the Southwest, the Gila River Indian Community is taking an innovative step forward by launching its Solar Canal Project to construct the country’s first solar-over-canal project.

    " 'A tribe is leading the way,' Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said, adding that the shovel-ready project will immediately address water conservation.

    "The Gila River Indian Community and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement on Thursday in Sacaton, kicking off construction on the first phase of the #PimaMaricopa Irrigation Project Renewal Energy Pilot Project, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

    " 'This new technology fits and supports our culture and tradition as we look forward to being sustainable in the future in a very real way,' Lewis said. The project may break new ground for the tribe, but he said it furthers their role as stewards of their water.

    "Lewis said they’re looking at this in terms of a #BlueGreenTribalAgriculturalEconomy, in which blue represents conserving water and green symbolizes #RenewableEnergy.

    "The #GRIC has over 150 miles of canal that could ultimately be covered with solar panels, and this project could be a game changer for creating energy.

    "The first phase of the project involves the construction of solar panels over a portion of the GRIC’s Interstate 10 Level Top canal, according to the tribe, and the project works to conserve water and generate renewable energy for tribal irrigation facilities.

    "David Deyoung, the director of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, said there are two ways this project can conserve water: reducing the evaporative water losses and minimizing water use for power generation. The combination, he said, will save about 200 acre-feet a year.

    "The project is expected to produce approximately one megawatt of renewable energy to offset energy needs and costs for tribal farmers, according to the GRIC.

    "The #SolarPanels are expected to cover more than 1,000 feet of the canal as part of phase one of the project. Lewis said he hopes to launch phase two in December, which involves installing solar panels on top of more canals near #CasaBlanca.

    "Michael Connor, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, called the project incredibly innovative work toward #CleanEnergy and water conservation.

    " 'The community has helped us innovate our process for working with tribes,' Conner said in a video about the signing shared on X.

    "Lewis said it’s great to see all the plans come to fruition, and he believes that the Gila River Indian Community is setting new ground for other tribes to follow."

    Source:
    ictnews.org/news/gila-river-in

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarPower #DroughtProtection #WaterIsLife #PreventingWaterLoss #WaterConservation #SolarPanels #Pima #Maricopa #NativeAmericans #NativeAmericanNews

  23. #GilaRiverIndianCommunity moves forward with #SolarCanal project, first in country

    by Shondiin Silversmith, November 15, 2023

    "In an effort to address the ongoing drought affecting the Southwest, the Gila River Indian Community is taking an innovative step forward by launching its Solar Canal Project to construct the country’s first solar-over-canal project.

    " 'A tribe is leading the way,' Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said, adding that the shovel-ready project will immediately address water conservation.

    "The Gila River Indian Community and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement on Thursday in Sacaton, kicking off construction on the first phase of the #PimaMaricopa Irrigation Project Renewal Energy Pilot Project, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

    " 'This new technology fits and supports our culture and tradition as we look forward to being sustainable in the future in a very real way,' Lewis said. The project may break new ground for the tribe, but he said it furthers their role as stewards of their water.

    "Lewis said they’re looking at this in terms of a #BlueGreenTribalAgriculturalEconomy, in which blue represents conserving water and green symbolizes #RenewableEnergy.

    "The #GRIC has over 150 miles of canal that could ultimately be covered with solar panels, and this project could be a game changer for creating energy.

    "The first phase of the project involves the construction of solar panels over a portion of the GRIC’s Interstate 10 Level Top canal, according to the tribe, and the project works to conserve water and generate renewable energy for tribal irrigation facilities.

    "David Deyoung, the director of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, said there are two ways this project can conserve water: reducing the evaporative water losses and minimizing water use for power generation. The combination, he said, will save about 200 acre-feet a year.

    "The project is expected to produce approximately one megawatt of renewable energy to offset energy needs and costs for tribal farmers, according to the GRIC.

    "The #SolarPanels are expected to cover more than 1,000 feet of the canal as part of phase one of the project. Lewis said he hopes to launch phase two in December, which involves installing solar panels on top of more canals near #CasaBlanca.

    "Michael Connor, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, called the project incredibly innovative work toward #CleanEnergy and water conservation.

    " 'The community has helped us innovate our process for working with tribes,' Conner said in a video about the signing shared on X.

    "Lewis said it’s great to see all the plans come to fruition, and he believes that the Gila River Indian Community is setting new ground for other tribes to follow."

    Source:
    ictnews.org/news/gila-river-in

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarPower #DroughtProtection #WaterIsLife #PreventingWaterLoss #WaterConservation #SolarPanels #Pima #Maricopa #NativeAmericans #NativeAmericanNews

  24. #GilaRiverIndianCommunity moves forward with #SolarCanal project, first in country

    by Shondiin Silversmith, November 15, 2023

    "In an effort to address the ongoing drought affecting the Southwest, the Gila River Indian Community is taking an innovative step forward by launching its Solar Canal Project to construct the country’s first solar-over-canal project.

    " 'A tribe is leading the way,' Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said, adding that the shovel-ready project will immediately address water conservation.

    "The Gila River Indian Community and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement on Thursday in Sacaton, kicking off construction on the first phase of the #PimaMaricopa Irrigation Project Renewal Energy Pilot Project, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

    " 'This new technology fits and supports our culture and tradition as we look forward to being sustainable in the future in a very real way,' Lewis said. The project may break new ground for the tribe, but he said it furthers their role as stewards of their water.

    "Lewis said they’re looking at this in terms of a #BlueGreenTribalAgriculturalEconomy, in which blue represents conserving water and green symbolizes #RenewableEnergy.

    "The #GRIC has over 150 miles of canal that could ultimately be covered with solar panels, and this project could be a game changer for creating energy.

    "The first phase of the project involves the construction of solar panels over a portion of the GRIC’s Interstate 10 Level Top canal, according to the tribe, and the project works to conserve water and generate renewable energy for tribal irrigation facilities.

    "David Deyoung, the director of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, said there are two ways this project can conserve water: reducing the evaporative water losses and minimizing water use for power generation. The combination, he said, will save about 200 acre-feet a year.

    "The project is expected to produce approximately one megawatt of renewable energy to offset energy needs and costs for tribal farmers, according to the GRIC.

    "The #SolarPanels are expected to cover more than 1,000 feet of the canal as part of phase one of the project. Lewis said he hopes to launch phase two in December, which involves installing solar panels on top of more canals near #CasaBlanca.

    "Michael Connor, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, called the project incredibly innovative work toward #CleanEnergy and water conservation.

    " 'The community has helped us innovate our process for working with tribes,' Conner said in a video about the signing shared on X.

    "Lewis said it’s great to see all the plans come to fruition, and he believes that the Gila River Indian Community is setting new ground for other tribes to follow."

    Source:
    ictnews.org/news/gila-river-in

    #SolarPunkSunday #SolarPower #DroughtProtection #WaterIsLife #PreventingWaterLoss #WaterConservation #SolarPanels #Pima #Maricopa #NativeAmericans #NativeAmericanNews