California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy

Project Nexus, California’s first solar-over-canal initiative, has begun producing electricity through solar panels installed above irrigation canals managed by the Turlock Irrigation District (TID). The pilot project, a collaboration between TID, Solar AquaGrid, UC Merced, and the California Department of Water Resources, is part of a broader effort to scale clean energy while conserving water and utilizing existing infrastructure. A UC Merced study published in Nature Sustainability found that placing solar panels over the state’s 4,000 miles of canals could generate enough electricity for 2 million homes, conserve a similar amount of water, and reduce the need for land-consuming solar farms.

As the pilot progresses with both narrow- and wide-span systems under development, the California Solar Canal Initiative (CSCI) is working to expand this concept statewide. Led by USC Dornsife’s Public Exchange and Solar AquaGrid, the CSCI is evaluating optimal canal locations, engaging potential host communities, and collaborating with a diverse team of researchers from several universities. The initiative is supported by a broad advisory council and state agencies, aiming to make the findings actionable and accelerate implementation across California.

The potential benefits of solar canal systems extend beyond power generation and water savings. By shading canals, these systems could reduce weed and algae growth, lower maintenance costs, and improve panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water. The approach also avoids converting undeveloped land, preserving up to 50,000 acres of habitat. Amid California’s climate extremes—swinging between floods and drought—officials stress the importance of integrated solutions that support both water and energy resilience while contributing to climate goals.