Gujarat canal-top solar generates power while saving 2.38M gallons of water

In Chandrasan village, Gujarat, India, a unique solar installation has been created by placing solar panels above an irrigation canal. The Gujarat State Electricity Corporation, along with Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam, developed the canal-top plant, aiming to generate power while conserving water. This innovative approach utilizes an existing canal for both irrigation and as a shade structure for the solar panels, eliminating the need for additional land acquisition.

By reducing sunlight exposure, the panels prevent about 2.38 million gallons of water from evaporating each year and limit algae growth. The project, commissioned in 2012, provides electricity while simultaneously protecting irrigation supplies. In a pilot phase, the system successfully generated around 1.6 million kilowatt-hours annually from a 1 MW capacity installation, conserving six acres that would have been required for a traditional ground-mounted solar farm.

While the project demonstrates potential, it is limited by the complexity of constructing steel supports capable of withstanding weather, water operations, and ensuring safe access for maintenance. Building canal-top solar systems can be more expensive and challenging than ground-based installations. However, the concept proves particularly beneficial where farmland is scarce, water evaporation is costly, and power can be utilized nearby.

Recognizing the potential, India launched a national program for 100 megawatts of canal-top and canal-bank solar in 2014, although deployment has been gradual. A 2025 study found that the Chandrasan installation has performed well over time, validating the long-term viability of this innovative solar concept.