Groundbreaking Initiative Sets the Stage for Future Solar Projects in the U.S.

In a groundbreaking initiative for renewable energy and water conservation, Project Nexus has launched the first solar panel canopies over irrigation canals in the United States.

This innovative pilot program, which kicked off in October 2022, is located in California’s Turlock Irrigation District and represents a $20 million investment aimed at enhancing water quality, generating renewable electricity, and reducing water evaporation.

The project involves a collaboration between notable entities, including the California Department of Water Resources, Turlock Irrigation District, Solar AquaGrid, and the University of California, Merced, which initially conceived the idea as part of a 2021 research initiative.

California Launches First Solar Panel Canopies Over Irrigation Canals

Aiming to utilize existing canal infrastructure, Project Nexus hopes to shed light on whether the shaded panels can mitigate midday heat and thus slow water evaporation. Moreover, by limiting vegetative growth around the canals, the initiative may lead to reduced maintenance needs and improvements in water quality.

Solar panels have been strategically installed across varying widths of the canal, ranging from 20 to 100 feet, enabling diverse research opportunities. At both sites, the University of California, Merced has set up research equipment to gather baseline data, which will guide future assessments of solar viability over canal systems.

As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency, Project Nexus will also include two long-term iron flow battery storage systems, featuring 75 kW ESS batteries that promise to improve energy reliability and storage capacity. With the success of this pilot, there are plans to expand Project Nexus to other regions of California, leveraging its potential benefits for both agriculture and renewable energy generation.

Project Nexus not only highlights innovation in sustainable energy solutions but also sets a precedent for future solar projects in the United States, following similar successful implementations in countries like India.