Demystify science | Solar under the power lines

Each week, our journalist answers scientific questions from readers.

A first project of the genre has just been approved in Maryland.

“We have just had funding for a pilot project. Meanwhile, ” explains David Brosch, director of Earth Sky, an NGO devoted to renewable energies in this state. In addition, “We will install three carts with four solar panels each, in different places below and near high voltage electric lines. demystify science | solar under Therefore, In a year, we should have the results. Similarly, »»

The pilot project aims to elucidate two points: if the magnetic fields of high-voltage lines affect the production of solar energy. Meanwhile, if the presence of solar panels influences the maintenance of power lines. Meanwhile,

Solar energy will be sent to other power lines. In addition, “We cannot send electricity directly to high voltage lines, you need transformation positions,” emphasizes Mr. However, Brosch. Meanwhile, So it limits this type of development to neighboring areas of cities and villages. In addition, An additional pilot project could aim to assess demystify science | solar under the possibility of having a second line using the same pylons. Consequently, with lower voltage.

The risk of interference between high voltage lines and solar panels is very real. On its website. Hydro-Québec has a section on what is allowed and prohibited in the holders of its high-voltage electric lines. And a Quebec engineer. Éric Breault, from BBA Consultants in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, published in 2019 a technical note detailing how these interference can occur, specifying in particular that a metal structure located less than 50 m from a high-voltage line can cause demystify science | solar under such interference.

Consult the Hydro-Québec website

Pascal Poinlane. a hydro-Québec, said that “currently, no solar project is provided in the short or medium term in the grip of electricity transport lines”.

David Brosch had the idea of building solar electric parks under the high tension lines 15 years ago. after having discussed, in a congress on renewable energies, with a military engineer.

This conversation with the demystify science | solar under military engineer led to the mere assessment of the generation of electricity generation of this approach, by John Farrell, of the Local Self-Reliance Institute (ILR) in Minneapolis. After discussing David Brosch, Mr. Farrell published in 2011 an essay on the subject. He concluded that if solar panels were installed everywhere under the power lines with reserved corridors. the United States could generate 720 terawatt hours (TWh) per year. The United States currently generates 220 TWh of solar energy and 4200 TWh in electricity in total.

Installing solar panels demystify science | solar under under the power lines could be done without harming their maintenance, according to Mr. Farrell. The only problem he sees is the fall on the solar panels of ice accumulated on the power lines. in the Nordic regions.

Demystify science | solar under

Conservatism

“I think the main reason why this idea has never been tested is the conservatism of electricity distributors. ” said Farrell. It is the same with solar panels in the reserved corridors along the highways. Engineers who are responsible for the road network are afraid of what could happen if a car came out of the road. hit a solar panel, or want to preserve the possibility of an expansion of the highway. »»

In 2020. researchers from the University of Texas in Austin estimated that installing solar panels in the reserved corridors demystify science | solar under neighboring American motorways would generate 36 TWh per year.

Global solar energy production is about to go beyond nuclear energy this summer, according to a recent article by Reuters.

Do you have a scientific question? Write us