Introduction

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Solar energy is widely seen as a crucial means of reversing climate change by replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources. Drought-stricken California has been particularly aggressive in its use. But installations like Ivanpah generating station in the Mojave Desert, above, have created controversy as well as energy, with some questioning the environmental harm these enormous arrays can create. As the use of alternative energy increases, can huge solar installations contribute efficiently and safely?