NV Energy executives, Nellis leaders, SunPower officials, utility regulators and local elected representatives gathered on Nellis Air Force Base to kick off the construction of a 15MW solar project that will enable the base to run exclusively on renewable energy during daylight hours.
Named the Nellis Solar Array II, this $50 million project and new infrastructure will be owned by NV Energy. The solar project will be built by SunPower Corp. The project, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2015, will create approximately 150 jobs during construction.
Colonel Richard Boutwell, 99th Air Base Wing commander said, "We are proud of our work with renewable energy at Nellis. As the second major solar energy project here, this venture is especially gratifying. It is set to increase our energy independence and strengthen our system reliability."
NV Energy's Senior Vice President of Customer Operations Pat Egan noted that the Nellis Solar Array II project is significant to NV Energy, as it will be the first utility-scale solar resource owned and operated by the utility. "This project represents a creative approach to helping Nellis Air Force Base meet its energy needs, and we are very pleased that this new substation and related electrical connections will enable us to provide even more reliable service to such an important Las Vegas-area customer."