Renewable Energy Research and Application at DRI
Renewable Energy Research and Application at DRI
The Desert Research Institute is committed to discovering new economically and environmentally friendly energy production methods. DRI supports expanding renewable energy research throughout Nevada and around the U.S.
Real-Time Monitoring of DRI's Solar Arrays
Check out the links below to see how much solar power DRI is generating right now from seven sites. System sizes are AC.
CONTACT
Peter Ross
Assistant Vice President
Campus Planning and Physical Plant
Peter.Ross@dri.edu
775.673.7388
Desert Research Institute
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512
Solar Generation on DRI’s Campuses
In cooperation with NV Energy under their “Solar Generations” program, beginning in 2005 DRI installed nine photovoltaic arrays Statewide capable of generating approximately 2.1 megawatts (AC). The last array was completed in 2014. Together, the nine arrays produce around 4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year or nearly half of the electricity needed to operate DRI facilities. Using on-site solar energy to produce electricity saves DRI over $325,000 per year in electricity costs and substantially reduces our carbon footprint.
| Year Installed | Campus/Building Served | Array ID | kW Generated (AC) | # of Panels | CO2 Emissions Reduction (lbs/yr) | % of DRI Power Per Year |
| 2005 | Las Vegas – Rogers | Rogers S. Wall | 3 | 18 | 10,300 | 0.05% |
| 2009 | Reno CRVB | CRVB North | 20 | 96 | 68,000 | 0.3% |
| 2012 | Reno CRVB | CRVB West | 100 | 418 | 380,000 | 2% |
| 2012 | Las Vegas SNSC PHI | SNSC West & South | 330 | 1658 | 1,383,000 | 7% |
| 2013 | Reno Maxey | Maxey North & Roof | 450 | 1846 | 1,572,000 | 8% |
| 2013 | Las Vegas SNSC PHI | SNSC East | 50 | 204 | 216,062 | 1% |
| 2014 | Reno GBERL | GBERL South | 50 | 200 | 188,223 | 1% |
| 2014 | Reno CRVB | CRVB East | 100 | 400 | 376,447 | 2% |
| 2014 | Reno NNSC | NNSC South | 1000 | 3948 | 3,753,975 | 20% |