Section 50232 of the IRA appropriates $25 million to the DOI, through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to remain available through September 30, 2021, for the following:
1) the design, study, and implementation of projects to cover water conveyance facilities with solar panels to generate renewable energy. This includes pilot and demonstration projects; and
2) the implementation of other solar projects associated with the Bureau of Reclamation, that increase water efficiency and assist in implementing clean energy goals.
Current Status:
Trump Administration Actions:
- Litigation Compliance Report Indicates DOI Released Some Previously Frozen Awards [04/23/2025]
- DOI Secretary Issues Order to Review IRA Regulations and Spending [02/03/2025]
- OMB Orders Temporary Pause on Financial Assistance Programs, Later Rescinded [01/27/2025]
- OMB Clarifies Scope of the Order to Halt IRA Spending [01/21/2025]
- Trump Issues Executive Order to Halt All IRA Funding Disbursements [01/20/2025]
Implementation Status at End of Biden Administration:
According to DOI press releases, all (or nearly all) funds appropriated under this section have been awarded for solar projects to be installed over canals. The projects begin with a five-year study period to collect data to evaluate technical capacity.
Biden Administration Actions:
- DOI Announces $19 Million for Solar Panel Installation Over Irrigation Canals [04/04/2024]
- DOI Announces Funding for Solar Panel Installation in Gila River Indian Community [12/08/2023]
- White House Releases IRA Guidebook for Tribes [04/04/2023]
- DOI Announces Tribal Consultation on the IRA [12/28/2022]
- DOI Hosts Public Meeting on Drought Relief Programs [09/30/2022]
Program Stakes:
Installing solar panels in irrigated canals is expected to bring a number of climate benefits, including generating renewable energy, reducing evaporation of the canal, increasing efficiency of solar panels based on the cooling effect of the water below, saving land for alternative uses, mitigating algae and other aquatic plant growth, and reducing carbon emissions and the energy footprint.