ivanpah solar electric generating system

An international conglomerate based out of Oakland, California, Ivanpah's operator BrightSouce Energy is considered a world leader in massive-scale remote solar catchments for generation of electric power. The location name "Ivanpah" derives from a nearby Union Pacific-SP railroad siding and ghost town that once served silver mines near Nipton, Calif. BrightSource is active in China, India, South Africa and many other locations around the globe. BrightSource has a nice visitor's viewing area off Interstate 15 between the casinos of Stateline (or "Primm"), Nevada and the Nipton exit. The gleaming mirrors adjacent to I-15 fascinate visitors and offer a promise of clean, renewable solar energy that takes advantage of remote sites in vast deserts where there is plenty of sunshine. However the project is not without controversy and has invited many critics from all sides of the political fence due to an abundance of energy hype, dependency of government grants, labor and trade issues (i.e. Chinese influence and materials) and wildlife concerns, just to name a few. So far, no bargains from these massive projects have actually reached the average consumer, so many are still taking a wait-and-see attitude on the long-term effectiveness of Ivanpah's concept.. In the mean time, there are little or no visitor facilities at the Ivanpah site so be sure to "stock up" at Primm for snacks and beverages. Bottom line: Check it out if you're not in a big hurry and interested in energy policy. Perhaps one day Ivanpah will be the "Grand Coulee Dam" for the US' start of mass-produced solar power and you could say you've been there.

Driving south past Primm and looking west appeared to be sparkling silver on the hillside. I couldn't decide if it was water or what, so I turned off at the first exit in CA (Yates Wells Rd) and drove up to see what it was. It is a solar farm of literally thousands of big mirrors reflecting light that heats up water is steam turbines in three towers that generate electricity. I immediately used Google to read on Wikipedia the description of what I was seeing and the cost and the amount of electricity produced. There is no "action"; and what you see is over $2 Billion of our tax money sitting on the hillside, Depending on your political and environmental viewpoint, you will probably either be pleased or angry! But it is an amazing sight and my curiosity would not allow me to pass it by.