Noria Energy has begun construction on Aurea Solar, a 50 kW floating solar pilot project in Golden, Colorado, that will provide renewable energy for local water utility operations. The project, scheduled for commissioning in September 2025, is located on Fairmount Reservoir, a water storage reservoir owned and operated by Consolidated Mutual Water Company (CMWC).

First-of-Its-Kind Tracking Technology

The project features Noria's newly developed floating solar tracker technology called AquaPhi, making it the first project in the United States to demonstrate scalable and high-performance tracking on water. AquaPhi allows floating solar systems to track the sun across the sky by rotating the solar islands, increasing the system's energy output by 10-20 percent.

The technology is designed to be easy for installers or asset managers to deploy. It can be added to any floating solar project, including as a retrofit to existing projects, to boost their performance. The pilot project with CMWC will power the on-site pumps used to regulate the water supply in the reservoir.

Water Conservation Benefits

Floating solar offers a cost-effective and space-efficient method for generating clean energy, particularly for water utilities managing large reservoirs. The technology converts existing water infrastructure into energy-producing assets while also saving water by lowering evaporation. “We are excited to explore the potential of floating solar as a way not only to produce and conserve energy, but also to enhance our water supply by reducing losses to evaporation,” said Jarod Roberts, Chief of Water Resources at CMWC.

Partnership and Implementation

Noria is building the project in partnership with GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit leader in renewable energy access, workforce development, and community empowerment, as well as Hazelett Marine, a leader in mooring solutions for floating solar arrays. These partners bring engineering and installation expertise, local solar jobs and training, and reliable technology for ensuring system integrity and stability on the reservoir.

“We couldn't be more excited to work with our partners CMWC, GRID Alternatives, and Hazelett to deploy our powerful technology that helps make clean energy more accessible to more customers,” said Ron Stimmel, CEO of Noria.

Utility Operations and Customer Base

The 50 kW project will support CMWC's mission to deliver clean, safe, and reliable water to more than 100,000 customers in the greater Denver area. The project demonstrates the potential of floating solar tracking systems nationwide as demand for energy and water grows across the country. The Aurea Solar project represents a new frontier for solar deployment in the United States, offering accessible and renewable energy generation specifically designed for water companies and utilities with reservoir infrastructure.

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