The project is a collaboration with the Consolidated Mutual Water Company (CMWC), which manages the Fairmount Reservoir and serves over 100,000 customers in the Denver area. The 50-kilowatt system will generate electricity to run onsite pumps that regulate water supply, directly supporting CMWC’s mission to deliver clean and reliable water. Beyond energy production, the floating panels reduce water evaporation—a critical advantage in water-scarce regions. By shading the reservoir, the system helps conserve water, addressing both energy and resource challenges in one stroke.
Jarod Roberts, CMWC’s Chief of Water Resources, highlighted the dual benefits: “Floating solar allows us to produce clean energy while reducing water loss through evaporation, improving our ability to manage both resources effectively.” This synergy makes the technology particularly appealing for water utilities nationwide, where large reservoirs are common but often untapped for energy generation.
How AquaPhi Redefines Floating Solar
Traditional floating solar systems are fixed in place, capturing sunlight at a constant angle. Noria’s AquaPhi technology changes that by enabling solar panels to pivot throughout the day, optimizing their exposure to sunlight. This tracking mechanism, adapted for water-based installations, is a first for the U.S. and builds on global precedents where floating solar has gained traction, particularly in Asia. The system’s design also allows it to be retrofitted onto existing floating solar projects, offering a path to upgrade older installations without starting from scratch.
Noria, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Sausalito, California, has positioned itself as a leader in floating solar through a focus on both project development and technology research. The company partners with organizations like GRID Alternatives, which brings expertise in renewable energy access and workforce training, and Hazelett Marine, a specialist in mooring solutions, to ensure the system’s stability and scalability. “Our goal is to make clean energy more accessible while maximizing efficiency,” said Ron Stimmel, Noria’s CEO. “This project demonstrates how innovation can turn existing infrastructure into a renewable energy powerhouse.”
A Scalable Solution for the Future
The Aurea Solar project is modest in scale but carries outsized potential. Its 50-kilowatt capacity is a proof of concept, designed to test the viability of floating solar trackers in real-world conditions. Scheduled for commissioning next month, the system will provide data on energy output, water conservation, and operational reliability. If successful, it could pave the way for larger deployments across the U.S., particularly for utilities, agriculture, and industrial sites with access to reservoirs or man-made water bodies.
Floating solar is already a growing sector globally, with installations in countries like China and India proving its viability. The U.S., however, has been slower to adopt the technology, making projects like Aurea Solar critical for demonstrating its potential. By combining energy generation with water conservation, the approach aligns with broader environmental goals, especially in regions facing drought or water stress.
Challenges and Opportunities
Deploying solar panels on water presents unique engineering hurdles. The systems must withstand wind, waves, and corrosion while maintaining stability and performance. Noria’s partnership with Hazelett Marine addresses these concerns through advanced mooring technology, ensuring the panels remain secure on the reservoir’s surface. Additionally, the project benefits from GRID Alternatives’ involvement, which emphasizes community engagement and local job creation, grounding the initiative in social as well as environmental impact.
The broader context of renewable energy in the U.S. adds urgency to such innovations. Solar and wind accounted for nearly 91% of new electrical generating capacity added in the first five months of 2025, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Floating solar, with its ability to utilize existing water infrastructure, could further accelerate this trend by opening up new sites for clean energy production without competing for land.
A Model for Nationwide Adoption
The Aurea Solar project is more than a local experiment; it’s a blueprint for how utilities and communities can integrate renewable energy into existing infrastructure. Water utilities, in particular, stand to benefit, as reservoirs and treatment plants offer ideal settings for floating solar. The technology’s ability to reduce evaporation while generating power could make it a cornerstone of sustainable resource management.
As the U.S. pushes for cleaner energy and smarter water use, initiatives like this one in Colorado highlight the power of innovation to solve multiple problems at once. The Fairmount Reservoir may be a small stage, but the implications of this pilot could ripple across the country, proving that even the surface of a reservoir can become a platform for progress.
