As most of you know, there are many types of solar energy systems to take sunlight and make electricity. What a lot of people do not know is that some of the systems need water to operate. The connection may seem fuzzy, but it will be clear as day in a minute.

In the case of solar concentrators, a fluid like oil or molten salt is used to transport the collected heat to a boiler and turbine system. The steam from the boiler will spin the turbines that create the electricity. This is a very effective system with a lot of good qualities. However, there is a need for heat control.

We can not have any portion of the system overheat, so water is often used to cool and prevent this. If the water is not re-collected it becomes run off or steam. Either way, it is no longer available as potable water. In an arid region like the Mojave desert where a solar installation seems most efficient, there would be a great deal of shipped in water to make the system work.

There are also what are called dry cooling systems. These are not as efficient as a "wet" system and cost more. This loss of efficiency and higher cost create an argument for using the "wet" cooling systems. Since water is also a scarce resource in the areas these solar systems are installed, we have arguments for both sides.

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