Mandalay Bay Plans 2nd Largest US Rooftop Solar Array

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This article was first published 1Sun4All.

Mandalay Bay and NRG Solar plan to blanket the rooftop of the Las Vegas resort and casino with 20,000 solar panels on nearly 20 acres of sun-drenched rooftop space. Boasting 6.2 MW, it will be one of the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic arrays in the world. If it is completed by early 2014, as planned, it will be the country’s second largest rooftop solar project, according to a representative from MGM at a press conference at Mandalay Bay. The following is from MGM Resorts:

Mandalay Bay announces plans to build the country’s 2nd largest rooftop solar array

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The 6.2-megawatt installation will be MGM Resorts’ first commercial solar project in the United States and will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 1,000 homes.

The plans were announced at a news conference in Las Vegas featuring US Senator Harry Reid and Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell in advance of the National Clean Energy Summit 6.0 on August 13, 2013 at Mandalay Bay.

mandalay bay
Artist rendering of the solar array planned for the Mandalay Bay Resort Convention Center. | Credit: PRNewsFoto/MGM Resorts International

At peak production, the rooftop array is expected to produce nearly 20 percent of the Mandalay Bay’s power demand. This in turn will also lower demand on the southern Nevada electricity grid at the hottest time of the day, decreasing the need to import energy from outside the local energy system thus reducing energy costs for the entire Las Vegas system.

MGM Resorts has made great strides in reducing its natural resource consumption through its Green Advantage sustainability initiatives. Over the past five years, the company has reduced its energy intensity by more than 12%, and has also saved a total of more than 2.5 billion gallons of water.

mandalay bay
Artist rendering of the solar array planned for the Mandalay Bay Resort Convention Center. | Credit: PRNewsFoto/MGM Resorts International

“Integrating environmentally responsible practices throughout our operations has been a key pillar in MGM Resorts’ strategic sustainability plan,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “Partnering with NRG Solar to install the solar rooftop at Mandalay Bay highlights a major milestone in our efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce our consumption of the planet’s limited resources.”

“MGM’s desire to advance environmental stewardship in support of a cleaner future speaks to the quality of the organization. At the same time, it’s an intelligent business decision. The new 20,000 panel solar rooftop array at Mandalay Bay will effectively enable the resort to lock in a substantial component of its energy costs at a very competitive rate,” said Tom Doyle, President and CEO of NRG Solar. “Our expectation is that other corporations will follow thought-leaders like MGM Resorts to protect our planet.”

MGM Resorts chose the Mandalay Bay Resort Conference and Convention Center for its new solar array due to its large sun-oriented rooftop space, which spans roughly 20 acres. Once the project, custom designed and developed by NRG Solar, is completed, Mandalay Bay will buy the energy created by the array though a power purchase agreement (PPA).

Additional Notes: NRG Solar LLC, a subsidiary of NRG, has more than 2,000 MW of photovoltaic and solar thermal projects in operation, under construction, or in development across the southwestern United States. More information is available at www.nrgsolar.com.


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Amber Archangel

-- I am an artist, painter, writer, interior designer, graphic designer, and constant student of many studies. Living with respect for the environment close at hand, the food chain, natural remedies for healing the earth, people and animals is a life-long expression and commitment. As half of a home-building team, I helped design and build harmonious, sustainable and net-zero homes that incorporate clean air systems, passive and active solar energy as well as rainwater collection systems. Private aviation stirs a special appeal, I would love to fly in the solar airplane and install a wind turbine in my yard. I am a peace-loving, courageous soul, and I am passionate about contributing to the clean energy revolution. I formerly designed and managed a clean energy website, 1Sun4All.com.

Amber Archangel has 195 posts and counting. See all posts by Amber Archangel