Previously EGG-NEWS reported on the installation of solar panels over irrigation canals to reduce evaporative loss.  Recently the Turlock, CA. Irrigation District announced a pilot project to determine functional and financial feasibility.

Solar AquaGrid in association with the University of California at Merced, will evaluate the benefits of Project Nexus involving installation of solar panels over a specific length of a canal.  The project will provide data on the extent of water evaporation, improvement in water quality, reduction in maintenance and generation of electrical power.

In March 2021, the University of California at Merced calculated the theoretical savings of 63 billion gallons of water sufficient to irrigate 50,000 acres of farmland and with the potential generation of 13 gigawatts of solar power if all 4,000 miles of canals in California could be modified.

Professor Roger Bales of UC at Merced stated, "The AquaGrid model provides a combined integrated response in addressing our water-energy nexus".  He added, "It helps address California’s underlying vulnerabilities while meeting both state and Federal level commitments to produce renewable energy, preserve natural lands, lower greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change". 

Project Nexus will be funded by the State of California with a $20 million grant, presuming use of existing infrastructure.