In short, California will become the first state in the nation to install solar panels on canals to combat drought conditions. A pilot project called Project Nexus will install approximately 8,500 feet of solar panels on three sections of Turlock Irrigation District (TID) canals. Sections vary in orientation and width, from 20 feet in diameter at the narrowest point to nearly 100 feet at the widest point.
The proof of concept aims to increase renewable electricity generation and reduce canal water evaporation. TID, in partnership with California State, University of California Merced and developer Solar AquaGrid, predicts improved water quality and lower maintenance costs through reduced plant growth in covered channels.
The state also says placing the panels in water instead of land can help keep it cool more efficiently. You can save time and free up land for other uses.
TID cites a 2021 study by UC Merced (a Nexus project partner mentioned above) that suggests covering 4,000 miles of public water supply system infrastructure in California with solar panels could save the world up to 63 billion gallons of water. 'year. According to the study, this is enough to meet the water needs of more than two million inhabitants or to irrigate 50,000 hectares of agricultural land.
According to the study, the theoretical panels would generate an estimated 13 gigawatts of solar energy per year, which would equal about one-sixth of the state's current solar capacity.
In its Project Nexus FAQ, TID indicated that the amount of savings expected from evaporation is currently unknown.
Project Nexus is funded by the State of California with $20 million. That's pretty expensive for 8,500 feet of solar panels that would cover 1.6 miles of the state's estimated 4,000 miles of public waterways.
Construction is expected to begin this fall with completion expected in late 2023.
