GRIC’s ‘Solar Over Canal’ Project sets first Solar Panels

Press Release

Gila River Indian Community

On May 22, the Gila River Indian Community took another step forward on a pioneering clean energy project, placing the first solar panels for the GRIC “solar over canal” project, which will help tackle two critical challenges: clean energy production and water conservation.

The Community is the first entity in the Western Hemisphere to place solar panels over a canal. An integral component of Gila River Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis’ “Blue-Green Economy,” the Solar-Over-Casa Blanca Canal project will conserve water by reducing evaporation, improve water quality by limiting aquatic growth in the canal, generate clean renewable energy in the most efficient manner possible, and demonstrate a commitment to caring for sacred land by wisely utilizing it for multiple purposes.

With an estimated cost of $6.744 million for Phase I, the project – built in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – is projected to produce approximately 1 MW of renewable energy. This energy output not only serves to offset the energy needs and costs for tribal farmers but also underscores GRIC’s commitment to a future powered by clean, sustainable sources.

At its core, this project represents a proactive response to the looming drought crisis gripping the Colorado River Basin. By covering the canal with solar panels, GRIC not only harnesses clean, renewable energy but also mitigates water evaporation—a significant concern in arid regions. This innovative approach aligns with broader efforts by the Biden Administration to support new solutions to combat the drought crisis, with backing from federal agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation and Congress.

Looking ahead, GRIC aims to expand the project beyond its initial phase, demonstrating the scalability and effectiveness of this innovative approach – and ultimately reaching the Community’s goal of using 100% renewable energy. The long-term vision includes covering additional miles of the Community’s irrigation system, reinforcing GRIC’s position as a trailblazer in sustainable resource management. As Governor Stephen Roe Lewis emphasizes, this initiative underscores GRIC’s dedication to stewardship and innovation in safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.