logo

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Read through the Privacy Policy to understand better

 Go Back

Solar panels on water canals seem like a no-brainer. So why aren't they widespread?

By BRITTANY PETERSON and SIBI ARASU - Jul 20, 2023, 12:30 PM ET
Last Updated - Aug 19, 2024, 04:06 AM EDT
Solar_panel
Yet when Jordan Harris and Robin Raj went knocking on doors with an idea that addresses both water loss and climate pollution — installing solar panels over irrigation canals — they couldn't get anyone to commit

The idea of putting solar panels on top of the world's thousands of miles of irrigation canals has long seemed like a good one

DENVER (AP) — Back in 2015, California's dry earth was crunching under a fourth year of drought. Then-Governor Jerry Brown ordered an unprecedented 25% reduction in home water use. Farmers, who use the most water, volunteered too to avoid deeper, mandatory cuts.  

Brown also set a goal for the state to get half its energy from renewable sources, with climate change bearing down.  

Sponsored

Yet when Jordan Harris and Robin Raj went knocking on doors with an idea that addresses both water loss and climate pollution — installing solar panels over irrigation canals — they couldn't get anyone to commit. 

Fast forward eight years. With devastating heat, record-breaking wildfire, looming crisis on the Colorado River, a growing commitment to fighting climate change, and a little bit of movement-building, their company Solar AquaGrid is preparing to break ground on the first solar-covered canal project in the United States. 

By continuing to use this site, you agree to our terms and conditions
Sponsored
Sponsored
Sponsored
Our Offices
  • 10kInfo, Inc.
    13555 SE 36th St
    Bellevue, WA 98006
    Phone: +1 (425) 414-0184
  • 10kInfo Data Solutions, Pvt Ltd.
    Claywork Create
    11 km, Arakere Bannerghatta Rd, Omkar Nagar, Arekere,
    Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076
    Phone: +91 80 4902 2100
4.2 20250324