Gila River Indian Community solar panel-over-canal project powers up on a hot October day

The Gila River Indian Community has launched an innovative project to install solar panels over a canal, aiming to generate clean energy while preserving water resources. This initiative is part of their broader commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. The project is expected to provide significant environmental benefits and serve as a model for other communities. By combining solar power with water conservation, the Gila River Indian Community is taking a holistic approach to addressing climate change. This project highlights the potential for innovative solutions to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Funding came from the Inflation Reduction Act, part of Biden’s Investing In America agenda, which aimed to combat the effects of climate change with new projects to conserve energy, according to the Department of the Interior. The project aims to cover 2,782 feet of the canal and requires approximately 2,556 solar panels.