The U.S. has taken a major step in renewable energy innovation with the launch of its first floating solar tracker project in Colorado. Developed by Noria Energy, the Aurea Solar station with a capacity of 50 kW has officially been deployed in the city of Golden. Unlike traditional floating solar panels, this system uses advanced AquaPhi tracking technology to follow the sun’s path across the sky, significantly boosting energy output.
What sets this project apart is its dual role in energy production and water conservation. The station has been installed on the Fairmount Reservoir, owned and operated by the Consolidated Mutual Water Company (CMWC). Beyond generating clean energy, the floating system also reduces water evaporation, helping safeguard local water supplies. According to CMWC’s Water Resources Director, Jarod Roberts, this initiative not only provides renewable energy but also strengthens the city’s water management strategy.
The AquaPhi technology is a breakthrough in solar innovation. While most floating solar farms are static, this system actively adjusts to sunlight angles, increasing efficiency by 10–20%. This adaptability means it can be integrated into both new projects and upgrades of existing floating solar plants. The pilot project in Golden represents the first U.S. deployment of a high-performance solar tracking system on water, marking an important milestone for the renewable energy sector.
Partnerships are also driving the project’s impact. Noria Energy is working with GRID Alternatives, a non-profit that provides training and access to renewable energy technologies, and Hazelett Marine, which supplies mooring systems essential for the floating infrastructure. Together, these organizations are building a model that can be replicated across the country.
The system is set to be fully operational in September and will power water pumps that serve over 100,000 consumers in the greater Denver area. This ensures that the benefits of the project go beyond energy savings, directly supporting sustainable water delivery to local communities.
Floating renewable solutions are gaining traction globally for their space efficiency and environmental benefits. In fact, the U.S. is also exploring floating offshore wind farms, with plans to install 15 GW of capacity by 2035—enough to power 5 million homes. The Golden pilot project could pave the way for the mainstream adoption of floating solar in the U.S., bridging the gap between energy transition goals and climate resilience strategies.
Conclusion
The Colorado floating solar tracker is more than just a clean energy project—it’s a blueprint for the future of renewable infrastructure. By combining solar efficiency, water conservation, and scalable innovation, this pilot program demonstrates how technology-driven sustainability can solve two pressing challenges at once: clean energy generation and water resource protection. If successful, it could inspire widespread adoption across the United States, redefining how renewable energy is produced and utilized.
