Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Solar Power For Las Vegas?

Today, Mr. Obama will go to one of the largest solar power plants in the country; located in Boulder City, Nevada. For those not familiar with the Las Vegas area, Boulder City is just about 25 miles south of the Strip. Supposedly, this plant will provide energy for about 14,000 homes in metro area of 2 million people; but only during the daytime and when there's not an overcast sky. Otherwise, conventional power generation and the output from the Boulder Dam is required to offset the loss of that solar power plant at night.

The problem with solar in the "Vegas" area "is" that it only provides power during the daytime. But, Las Vegas is a night city; ablaze with lights and JumboTrons everywhere. And, that fact isn't just for the Las Vegas strip. There are Casinos sprinkled throughout the entire metro area. Restaurants and shopping are set up to accommodate people who work all hours of the day. Further, during the summer, the power demand is only amplified by constantly running air conditioning. So, in this neck of the woods (or sands), night time is when most of the power is needed and building 1000 solar plants won't change that reality.

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