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MGM Resorts International and NRG announced that the world’s largest rooftop solar PV array has been installed on the roof of the Mandalay Bay convention center in Las Vegas, NV. The 6.4 megawatt (MW dc) [5.0 megawatt ac (MW ac)] photovoltaic array covers approximately 20 acres and will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 1,000 U.S. homes annually. This type of project is the first of its kind on the Las Vegas Strip, and is hopefully a sign of things to come.

MGM Resorts also announced plans to build an additional 2 MW dc (1.5 MW ac) solar PV array atop a planned expansion of the same convention center, and is scheduled to begin construction near the end of 2014.

“Today marks a major milestone for MGM Resorts, NRG and the entire Las Vegas community,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “The completion of this solar array demonstrates our steadfast commitment to the principles of environmental responsibility, and the announcement of the second array reinforces that we’re always looking to do more.”

The goal for the property is to reduce energy draw from the southern Nevada power grid during the hottest time of the day, which also represents peak electricity demand. The completed project should help in pricing stability. “As one of the largest providers of renewable energy solutions in North America, we’re delighted to be the chosen partner of MGM Resorts to take this giant leap forward and join their longstanding legacy in environmental stewardship,” said Tom Doyle, President and CEO of NRG Renew. “NRG envisions a thriving, sustainable future powered by renewable energy. We look forward to continuing our partnership with MGM in bringing competitively priced, clean energy to Mandalay Bay through the second solar array of this project; further supporting their commitment to reducing energy costs.”

“Together, MGM Resorts and NRG are an excellent example of private sector companies working together to develop innovative technologies that protect our planet’s most precious resources,” said Nevada Senator and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. “I applaud MGM and NRG for leading the way for other businesses to embrace environmental best practices, and demonstrating that it’s good for business.”

“The rooftop solar installation at Mandalay Bay significantly advances our resort’s commitment to being a leading sustainable destination for conferences and conventions,” said Chuck Bowling, President and COO of Mandalay Bay. “Partnering with a progressive company like NRG to achieve this milestone reinforces our commitment to promoting renewable energy and protecting the planet’s limited resources as supported by our Green Advantage sustainability initiative that has already decreased our energy load by over 14 percent since 2007.”

We hope the data gathered from the performance of this system will entice other strip properties to follow suit. Las Vegas has the ability to position itself to be the front runner in the world of renewable energy systems. Bravo MGM Resorts International.