Las Vegas NowSolar Panels: Wave of The Near Future

Solar Panels: Wave of The Near Future

It's the wave of the future and scientists say it could change the way we get energy. Solar thermal power plants are popping up around the globe and one plant will be near Boulder City.

Burghard Von Westerhold with Schott Solar Enterprises says Nevada is one of the hotspots for this new technology. "There's a huge potential in Nevada to be the lead in this technology."

Schott Solar Enterprises teamed up with Solargenix of Nevada. When the companies merged they thought the perfect place for solar technology was right on our doorstep. Von Westerhold said, "The solar radiation energy is one of the highest in the world."

Scientists say use of solar technology is still relatively new. There are 9 solar power plants around the world from Europe to Spain, and now in the United States. The Mojave Desert is a prime example of how it's being used today. It has nearly a mile of solar mirrors that provides power to 200,000 homes.

Von Westerhold says solar technology is the future because it's so clean. "You have no CO2 emissions. No risk for the environment. The only thing is you need some space in the desert and what's the perfect use for this space."

The plant near Boulder City will be the third largest solar powered plant in the world. Although experts say it may not be pleasing to the eye, it will, however, provide enough energy to power 40,000 Nevada households.

The first phase of parabolic mirrors have been put in. The project is scheduled for completion in March of 2007.

Email reporter Tedd Florendo at tflorendo@klastv.com