What Are Solar Canals and How Much Water Do They save?
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Provided by: The Kid Should See This|Published on: August 20, 2026
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This 2-minute video and associated article explain the idea of covering open water canals with solar panels so the panels generate renewable electricity while their shade reduces water lost to evaporation.
- Students learn how researchers modeled the effect of shading California's canal system and how a pilot project is testing different solar cover designs over sections of an irrigation district's canals.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
Authors: Fig. 1 by University of California
Region: California
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- Pause after the video introduces evaporation to check that students understand why open canals lose water in hot, sunny conditions.
- Have students identify the multiple benefits of solar canals described and discuss why solving several problems with one design is powerful, as well as what drawbacks might exist.
Options for Action:
- Have students engage in the engineering design process to develop an innovation that can solve multiple problems at once (multi-solving).
- Calculate the water and energy gains associated with covering local water bodies with solar panels.
Related Resources:
- Read this short news story about how solar can be used in cow farms to provide shade and prevent drought.
- Use resources by the Multisolving Institute, such as the Flower tool, to explore and map co-benefits.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
The Kid Should See This
The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
