As absurd as it would be, I'm sure you could get some positive traction with the idea of solar canals - where they put the solar cells at the
bottom of the canal, with water flowing over the top of them.
You could have similar "benefits" that the Indian concept offers, such as keeping the panels cool -
really cool - and not requiring additional land - with the trade off of less visual pollution against reduced evaporation. (Let's not complicate matters with reduced efficiency from sediments and water absorption.)
Now this idea is in the public domain, patents on the concept become more difficult.
You heard it on the EEVblog first!!!!