Farmers in California's San Joaquin Valley Back Massive Solar Project

Westlands Water District adopts plan for 200-square-mile solar farm to offset water shortages

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Farmers in California's San Joaquin Valley are supporting a plan for a massive 20,000-megawatt solar project that would cover 200 square miles of their land. The farmers are facing water shortages due to droughts and new state laws limiting groundwater pumping, forcing them to leave a quarter or more of their land unplanted each year. The solar project, developed by Golden State Clean Energy, would provide the farmers with income from leasing their unused land, allowing them to continue farming the rest of their property.

Why it matters

The solar project represents a creative solution for farmers in the San Joaquin Valley who are struggling with water scarcity issues. By transitioning some of their land to solar energy production, they can generate additional revenue to sustain their farming operations. This model could be replicated in other agricultural regions facing similar water challenges.

The details

The Westlands Water District, which manages irrigation water for the farmers, has adopted the solar plan. The project would cover 200 square miles, producing 20,000 megawatts of electricity on sunny days - enough to power entire cities. Huge batteries would store some of the solar power for use when it's needed most. The project requires new multibillion-dollar power lines to carry the electricity to major population centers like Los Angeles and Silicon Valley.

  • In December 2026, the Westlands Water District board adopted the solar plan.
  • The solar project is expected to be built over the next several years.

The players

Westlands Water District

A central organization that manages irrigation water for farmers in the San Joaquin Valley.

Golden State Clean Energy

The company that developed the plan for the massive 200-square-mile solar project.

Ross Franson

A farmer in the San Joaquin Valley who supports the solar project.

Jose Gutierrez

The assistant general manager of the Westlands Water District.

Patrick Mealoy

A partner at Golden State Clean Energy.

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What they’re saying

“I think the first time I heard it, at least from my perspective, it was like, yes, we need to do this.”

— Ross Franson, Farmer (NPR)

“Because of this solar, we can continue farming in Westlands.”

— Jose Gutierrez, Assistant General Manager, Westlands Water District (NPR)

“It'll keep the farming community alive.”

— Jose Gutierrez, Assistant General Manager, Westlands Water District (NPR)

“The state needs it. It's permitted. It's the right place for it. I'm excited about this.”

— Patrick Mealoy, Partner, Golden State Clean Energy (NPR)

“We are shareholders. We've kept these communities alive. The economy is robust. There's no excuse to leave us out.”

— Rey Leon, Mayor of Huron (NPR)

What’s next

Westlands Water District and Golden State Clean Energy are still discussing a 'community benefits package' to ensure the nearby town of Huron and its residents also benefit from the solar project.

The takeaway

The massive solar project in California's San Joaquin Valley demonstrates how farmers can adapt to water scarcity challenges by transitioning some of their land to renewable energy production, providing a model that could be replicated in other agricultural regions facing similar issues.