How the canal array works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The structure is clever. The panels sit on modular steel structures that cross the canal without touching the water, which prevents the formation of rust. That also keep the flow clear of impurities and gives crews access when repairs are needed<\/a>. The shade can also reduce evaporation<\/a>, while the cooler environment above the water may also give solar output a small boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rated capacity of the whole structure is 1.31 megawatts<\/a> and is expected to generate at least 2.26 million kilowatt-hours each year in practical terms. The local irrigation district uses only a fraction of all that energy, which corresponds to about 27 million kilowatt-hours annually, in tasks like pumping, moving or storing water. That means that this single installation could cover roughly eight percent of the whole electric bill<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though the Casa Blanca was known as \u201cphase II\u201d it began producing power first. The \u201cphase I\u201d was a separate 1000-foot installation that had signed its agreement and began construction earlier, but its ribbon-cutting<\/a> did not take place until December 11, 2025, 14 months after Casa Blanca had already switched on and began its operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The director of Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, David H. DeJong summed it up plainly with the phrase \u201cIt was scheduled to be the first in the Western Hemisphere, but our Phase II Casa Blanca Solar over canal project was actually completed first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The difference in prices<\/a> was quite striking too. While Casa Blanca received the investment of 5.65 million dollars for its 1.31 megawatts production, which corresponds to about $4.31 million per megawatt, the Phase I was estimated to cost $6.7 million for one megawatt, a striking difference. Summing up the numbers we can gather that the difference between the projects is about 55 percent more expensive per megawatt, although it featured additional federal partnership and tribal contracting requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a statement given by DeJong he said the estimates are that the half-mile array that constitutes the Casa Blanca each year may prevent 2.6 and 3.9 millions gallons of water from evaporating. At such a scale the project can also be viewed as a test for future similar efforts, showing not only how useful it is for nearby agriculture but also maybe helping with the Colorado River crisis<\/a> even if not being enough to end it alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRead More: One of the world\u2019s rarest primates survives among the limestone cliffs of northern Vietnam, where the remaining Delacour\u2019s langurs are hanging on in fragmented habitat despite looking almost impossible to miss<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Solar](\"https:\/\/www.ecoticias.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/casa-blanca-canal-solar-panels-arizona.jpg\")
The project that finished first<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Read More: \ufeffA zircon grain found in Western Australia\u2019s Jack Hills is 4.4 billion years old, making it the oldest known terrestrial mineral grain<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
The water benefit is still being measured<\/h2>\n\n\n\n