US biggest rooftop solar array in Las Vegas

United States largest rooftop solar array was installed on top of the expansion of the convention centre at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

26,000 solar panels were assembled on the roof since 2014, and they produce 25 per cent of the energy consumed by the convention centre.

When an expansion was added recently to the convention centre, its owner MGM Resorts International decided to add eight acres of solar panels for a total of 28 acres in the array.

The array represents as well Nevada’s energy target of sourcing 25 per cent of all energy from renewable sources.

The project was made possible thanks to the decreasing price of solar panels, making it possible for companies to produce electricity at the same cost as buying grid power.

Ironically, though, it isn’t likely that Mandalay Bay and the other casinos currently sporting rooftop solar arrays will disconnect from the grid completely, no matter how much energy they can produce on their own.

But Nevada state’s regulators make it difficult for businesses like Mandalay Bay and other casinos to disconnect from the grid, charging them tens of millions of dollars if they do, as utilities rely on revenue from tourist spots.