Researchers at University of California, Merced, are delving deeper into the potential of solar panels alongside canals, building upon the innovative Project Nexus. This large-scale initiative, spearheaded by the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) in partnership with Solar AquaGrid, is testing the viability of solar canopies above canals for dual benefits: renewable energy generation and water conservation.
UC Merced’s project focuses on vertical solar panels positioned beside the canals, complementing the planned Project Nexus design of overhead canopies. The Sunzaun vertical solar system has the potential to capture sunlight throughout more hours of the day compared to traditional, south-facing panels.
“If we can co-locate our solar panels on our canals we get the benefits of reducing evaporation, reducing aquatic wheat growth and also getting some more solar generation” – Jeremiah Reagan (PhD Student, UC Merced)
Project Nexus holds promise on a grand scale. Estimates suggest California’s 4,000-mile canal network could generate enough solar energy to power millions of homes, while also reducing water evaporation by potentially billions of gallons annually.
This research by UC Merced, along with the overall Project Nexus initiative, paves the way for a revolutionary approach to solar power generation and water conservation in California’s Central Valley and beyond.
