The existing dam (lower pit) is relatively deep so surface area...

• The existing dam (lower pit) is relatively deep so surface area is low compared to volume, and thus evaporation loss should be relatively low.
• The existing dams are quite small and would not have enough surface area for the Phase 1 solar farm, let alone phase 2. While the new dam (upper dam) will have larger surface area and be shallower, it doesn't exist yet.
• When the pumped hydro is operating, there will be significant daily rises and falls in water levels, complicating the engineering of floating solar panels and associated maintenance access.
• $800m million is for phase 2, which has > 5 times the number of panels, and significant civil engineering works (construction of "Turkey's Nest" upper dam, tunnels connecting all three dams, and purchase and installation of pumps/turbines and associated electrical infrastructure)