The US Army Corps of Engineers will begin work on a solar-covered canal pilot project in Arizona.

The solar-over-canal project and will involve construction of solar panels over a portion of the Gila River Indian Community’s 1-10 Level Top canal to conserve water and generate renewable energy for tribal irrigation facilities.

The cost of Phase I of the solar-covered canal project is estimated to be $6.7m, and it is expected to produce approximately 1MW of renewable energy to offset energy needs and costs for tribal farmers.

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