The California Solar Canal Initiative (CSCI) is focused on expanding solar installations across the state’s canal systems.
Led by the University of Southern California (USC) Dornsife Public Exchange and independent advisory group Solar AquaGrid, the initiative brings together faculty from seven universities, six of which are based in California.
A 2021 study by researchers at the University of California, Merced, found that installing solar panels over significant portions of California’s 4,000 miles of canals could conserve water, reduce air pollution, optimize land use, and generate clean energy using existing infrastructure.
The study concluded that covering California’s public water delivery system with solar panels could generate 13 gigawatts (GW) of electricity annually.
At the time, this accounted for roughly one-sixth of the state’s total installed capacity and nearly half of the additional capacity needed to meet California’s target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
The research also indicated that utilizing canal space for solar arrays could prevent the use of up to 50,000 acres of land for standalone solar farms.
Following the findings of the 2021 study, Project Nexus was launched—a $20 million pilot initiative funded by the State of California and managed by the Turlock Irrigation District in collaboration with the Department of Water Resources, Solar AquaGrid, and the University of California, Merced.
California Solar On Canals Project
Designed as a proof-of-concept project, its construction includes solar arrays over two canals—one 20 feet wide and another 110 feet wide.
Slated to become operational this year, the project also integrates energy storage to assess how storage facilities can support the local power grid when solar generation fluctuates due to cloud cover.
Looking ahead, the 2025 CSCI project aims to build upon the findings of the 2021 study by identifying suitable locations and engaged communities for deployment. The initiative will provide valuable data to government agencies, utilities, and local stakeholders to facilitate implementation.
CSCI researchers will work closely with key state agencies overseeing water, land, and energy, including the California Department of Water Resources, the California Natural Resources Agency, and the California Energy Commission.
“California is leading the way in exploring innovative solutions to tackle climate change and strengthen our water and energy resilience,” said CNRA Secretary Wade Crowfoot.
“We are excited to see top research institutions come together to help deploy solar panels over water canals — a big idea with great potential. Science-driven collaborations like this one are critical to guide our path forward.”
USC Dornsife Public Exchange has assembled a multidisciplinary research team consisting of faculty from seven universities: the University of Southern California, the University of California (UC) Merced, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC Law San Francisco, San Jose State University, and the University of Kansas.
Solar AquaGrid is spearheading an advisory council composed of experts from government, academia, and the private sector to ensure that the initiative’s outcomes are actionable and impactful.
