Experts say floating solar panels on hydro dams could be a win-win. 

In a recent opinion piece, sustainable energy experts said floating solar panels present a major opportunity for the managers of hydropower dams.

Research is increasingly showing that having water below solar panels can cool dams and make them more efficient, while reflections from water can provide more sunlight to convert into power.

Additionally, putting panels over dams can reduce water evaporation and turbulence in the reservoirs they are floating on. 

Researchers from New Zealand say in one case study, a floating solar power system installed at a wastewater treatment plant in Auckland has saved the company $4.5 million in power annually.

The researchers say there is a major opportunity to do something similar with hydropower reservoirs, providing an alternate source of energy when water levels are low.

More details are accessible here.