The City of Las Vegas: Powered By 100% Renewable Energy and Embracing Solar

July 23, 2024

Las Vegas: From Sin City to Sun City

Las Vegas is famous for its bright lights, exciting nightlife, and world-class entertainment. But did you know it’s also becoming a beacon of sustainability? Once known as a city of excess, Las Vegas is now leading the charge toward renewable energy and showing the world what’s possible with solar power.

Senior Director of Environment Nevada Research Johanna Neumann says it best: “Vegas isn’t just an entertainment capital – it’s also become one of America’s solar power capitals.”

Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, photo c/o Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun

How Las Vegas Became a Solar Powerhouse

In 2008, Las Vegas began its journey toward renewable energy. By 2016, the city became one of the first in the U.S. to power its government operations fully—everything from streetlights to city buildings—with clean energy!

Art replaces grass and flowers along Las Vegas medians to support water conservation efforts. Photo c/o City of Las Vegas.

Massive solar farms spread across the Nevada desert are at the heart of this transformation. These farms harness the endless sunshine to generate clean, renewable electricity. For example, Freedom Park in East Las Vegas recently opened a covered solar parking facility, making it easier for residents and businesses to access solar energy.

But it doesn’t stop there. Las Vegas has also embraced hydropower from the Hoover Dam and implemented innovative water conservation strategies, like replacing turf with drought-resistant landscaping. The city is setting a shining example of what a sustainable future can look like!

And in 2024, Las Vegas hit a historic milestone. The Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium was powered entirely by solar energy from a Nevada solar farm! This achievement marks an exciting step forward, showing how renewable energy can power even the world’s most significant, most iconic events.

Inside the Allegiant Stadium at the 2024 Super Bowl (Photo c/o Rob Carr / Getty Images)

The Benefits of Going Solar

Las Vegas’s commitment to renewable energy is already paying off in significant ways:

  • Massive Water Savings: The city has reduced water consumption by 2.25 billion gallons in the last decade.
  • Cleaner Air: By slashing carbon emissions, the city fosters a healthier environment for residents.
  • Energy Independence: Companies like MGM Resorts have launched solar projects that provide 90% of their resorts’ daytime power, and they plan to become 100% renewable by 2030.

Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman summed it perfectly: “The city of Las Vegas has long been a leader when it comes to sustainability, and we make it a priority to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.”


Inspiration for Your Home

Las Vegas’s solar transformation proves that clean energy is not just a dream—it’s a reality. Like Babcock Ranch, the first solar-powered town in America, Las Vegas shows how communities can thrive on renewable energy. These success stories inspire us to imagine a future where solar isn’t just an option—it’s the standard.

At Everlight Solar, we’re here to make that future a reality for your home. By switching to solar, you’ll save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and invest in a brighter future for future generations.

Ready to join the solar revolution? Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. Together, we can build a sustainable future for all.