The University of California Merced has achieved a groundbreaking milestone as its pioneering solar-over-canal project starts producing electricity. This innovative initiative, known as Project Nexus, represents the first installation of solar panels over irrigation canals in the region.
Led by faculty from California's leading research universities, the pilot project is being implemented over the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) canals. TID General Manager Brad Koehn confirmed that the solar arrays have successfully begun generating power.
The project emerged from a 2021 UC Merced study that highlighted the potential benefits of installing solar panels across California's 4,000-mile canal network. The research suggested that such installations could serve multiple purposes: conserving water, reducing air pollution, and generating clean energy while utilizing existing infrastructure.
The California Solar Canal Initiative (CSCI) research project aims to expand solar power adoption throughout the state. The initiative focuses on identifying optimal locations and willing host communities while providing valuable data to government agencies, utilities, and community stakeholders.
This innovative venture represents a collaborative effort between multiple organizations. The state-funded project brings together the Turlock Irrigation District, Solar AquaGrid, UC Merced, and the California Department of Water Resources in a public-private-academic partnership.
The success of this pilot project could pave the way for broader implementation across California's extensive canal system, potentially transforming how the state manages its water and energy resources while advancing its clean energy goals.