California Covers Canals with Solar Panels: Generating Energy and Saving Water

A unique project called Project Nexus has started in California, which involves the installation of solar panels on irrigation canals. This idea combines electricity generation and the reduction of water loss — two problems faced by agricultural areas.

During the construction of large solar power plants, it is often necessary to allocate large tracts of land, which can cause conflicts with farmers or environmentalists. Installing panels over existing infrastructure, such as irrigation canals, helps to avoid such issues.

Moreover, this technology simplifies the construction of power plants and their connection to the grid without the need for expensive high-voltage lines. This is important for rural areas, where residents might resist large energy projects.

Another problem that Project Nexus addresses is water evaporation. Solar panels located above the canals help to prevent water loss due to evaporation and increase the efficiency of electricity generation.

Additionally, the shade from the solar panels helps to prevent algae growth in the canals, improving the water quality. Although the cost of installing such systems is high, the savings on water, land, and more affordable electricity make this technology very promising. With Project Nexus, it has been possible to integrate two important sectors — electricity generation and water conservation, which is significant for agricultural areas and could become an important step in the development of sustainability and resilience in the agro-industrial sector.