california’s solar-covered canal: a breakthrough in sustainable infrastructure
17/09/2025
California’s pioneering solar-covered canal project, now fully operational, marks a significant step in sustainable infrastructure by integrating solar energy generation with water conservation. By installing photovoltaic panels over irrigation canals in the Central Valley, the initiative reduces water evaporation, boosts panel efficiency through natural cooling, and generates clean electricity without consuming additional land. This $20 million pilot saves billions of gallons of water annually, improves water quality by limiting algae growth, and supports biodiversity by preserving natural landscapes. Economically viable and scalable, the project offers a model for arid regions globally, with potential for widespread adoption in California’s extensive canal network and beyond.