DOI Announces $19 Million for Solar Panel Installation Over Irrigation Canals

On April 4, 2024, DOI announced $19 million in IRA funds to install solar panels over irrigation canals in California, Oregon, and Utah. The projects will study the water efficiency gains and amount of clean energy produced for future larger scale implementation. Among the projects announced are $15 million for the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority, Delta-Mendota Canal Floating Solar Project, $2.55 million for the North Unit Irrigation District, Main Canal Floating Photovoltaics Project in Oregon, and $1.5 million for the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, Solar Panels Over the Layton Canal Project in Utah. Section 50232 of the IRA appropriates $25 million to design, study, and implement canal improvement projects that cover water conveyances with solar panels to generate renewable energy.