Turlock Irrigation District celebrates state's first solar over canals pilot project

TURLOCK, Calif. (FOX26) — A major milestone has been reached for California’s first solar over canals pilot project.

The Turlock Irrigation District announced that construction is complete at the wide-span section of Project Nexus, and the solar array is now generating electricity.

The project is a partnership between TID, the California Department of Water Resources, UC Merced and Solar AquaGrid.

Work on the 115-foot wide canal began in February, starting with the installation of concrete footings and was completed and energized at the end of August.

Project Nexus combines the wide-span section with a narrow-span portion, completed earlier in March, giving the project a total generation capacity of 1.6 megawatts.

All of the energy produced is integrated into TID’s power portfolio, contributing to the district’s renewable energy goals.

The solar-over-canals design not only produces clean energy but also reduces water evaporation from the canals, offering a sustainable solution for water and energy management in the region.

TID officials say Project Nexus represents a significant step forward in exploring innovative renewable energy solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities.

To learn more about the solar over canals pilot project, click HERE.