Do You Know What You Are Missing in Southern Nevada? 12) Solar Power

A Las Vegas neighborhood house using a PV system.  (www.jillpaigehomes.com)

12) Solar Power: Solar Energy an Abundant Source in the Las Vegas Valley

(From 52 Reasons for Loving Life in Las Vegas)

By: Clairin DeMartini

12) Solar Power: I am the mother of two children. Their young minds are fascinating and their nature is curious. As evening approaches they ask, “Did the sun go down? Did I miss the sunset?” We look out onto the horizon, over the Spring Mountains of Red Rock Cliffs, I reply, “There is the sunset, but do not worry, the sunrise will be back in the morning.” They smile and wonder.

Do Not Miss Solar Power in Use Statewide: Homes, Businesses and Utilities

Sunny days are abundant in Las Vegas, I know my prediction is solid. With an average of 300 sunny days equating to 3,800 hours annually of sunshine, Southern Nevada is an ideal location to tap into solar power. The Las Vegas Sun reported on February 19, 2014 the approved construction plans proposed by the Department of Interior for a 250-megawatt solar facility located near Primm, Nevada. The facility foresees service to 80,000 homes per year. A little closer to home, drive along Valle Verde Drive and 215 Beltway and view Congregation Ner Tamid’s largest solar project for a non-profit in Henderson, NV (Las Vegas Sun’s Jackie Valley reported on November 17, 2013). The Las Vegas Valley Water District has 6 solar projects producing 3.0 megawatts. Across the valley and throughout the state of Nevada, you will see solar energy projects using photovoltaic (PV) systems to convert sunlight into an electric current using the photoelectric effect.

Do Not Miss the Opportunities to Be a Part of Solar Power

Nevada is ranked as one of the best locations for solar energy investment. Look at the resources available in Southern Nevada! You can benefit in many ways with solar power options across the valley.

• Renewable Generations Programs are available from Nevada Energy. In 2012, the total solar power capacity in watts per capita was 122.9 placing it third in the nation. Incentive programs for NV Energy customers assist installation costs of renewable energy systems such as Solar PV, Solar Space Heating, Solar Water Heating, and Solar Pool Heating.
• Learn about Nevada’s state solar policy with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) report. Find information about the solar industry, Nevada legislature, incentives and much more.

There is a bright future in renewable solar energy for Nevada; keep watching the US solar market boom right here in Clark County. In 2012, the services from Ernst & Young reported Nevada as one of the top 5 U.S. states that installed solar electric capacity and a leader in cumulative solar capacity for the year.

Do You know What You Are Missing in Southern Nevada? 2)Hiking

Wetlands Park Loop Trail - Winter in Las Vegas, NV

(From 52 Reasons for Loving Life in Las Vegas)

By: Clairin DeMartini

2) Hiking: The Las Vegas Valley offers an urban adventure.

Do Not Miss the Best Outdoor Access around the City of Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada may have the reputation of colossal hotels adorned with neon signs aligning the Las Vegas Boulevard, but one of the best attractions is the access to outdoor adventures across the Las Vegas Valley. Strolls along paved paths. Rock climbing. Horseback riding. Bird watching. Hiking. If you think The Strip is wild, do not deny yourself the true “wild”erness at the cliffs, the peaks, the canyons, and the wetlands of the valley.

Do Not Miss the Opportunities to Get Out and Explore

Southern Nevada is beloved for the many local hiking areas. National Geographic listed Las Vegas, NV as one of the top 15 cities for best trails in the article Easy Urban Escapes. Hiking near and around Las Vegas accommodates all levels of hikers. Choose trails by location like the Frenchman Mountain Summits from downtown. Choose trails by difficulty like the easy hike outside of the Scenic Drive Loop at Red Rock Canyon called The Potato Knoll or difficult at Goldstrike Hot Springs in Boulder City. Choose trails by length like the 6.3 mile Las Vegas Overlook with at dramatic view of the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon or the 2.2 miles at Lone Mountain. Plan your trip with a guide from EveryTrail.com and read local blogs like John Lee’s Hiking Las Vegas.

For me, I am not about to miss the abundance of rural landscape that surrounds the Las Vegas Valley. The Clark County Wetlands Park coins the phrase, “Nature, Close to Home.” The extensive  number of trails offers me a place to listen to the sounds of wildlife, take the dog for a walk in a new environment, teach my children about conservation of resources, and have a picnic amidst the flora and fauna of beautiful southern Nevada. I am not about to miss “Nature, Close to Home”!

Do You Know What You Are Missing in Southern Nevada?1)Public Library

1) Public Library: Public Libraries in the Las Vegas Valley

(From the List: 52 Reasons for Loving Life in Las Vegas)

By: Clairin DeMartini

1) Public Library: Public libraries are plentiful in Southern Nevada. You will be connected to the community by finding an inviting environment, helpful staff and an abundance of materials and events.

Do Not Miss The Las Vegas Clark County Library District

The Las Vegas Clark County Library District (www.lvccld.org) serves over 1.5 million people in the City of Las Vegas and most of Clark County (North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Henderson have their own library districts). The 14 urban branches and 11 outlying braches host over 14.4 million books and other materials to check out. The library sponsors over 15,557 community programs and over 573,096 children and adults attend programs annually. Without sounding exasperated by the selection of resources you will find, I must list highlights from this amazing system in the Las Vegas Valley:

• Book clubs
• eBooks and eAudio
• Author visits
• Video and Podcasts
• Books, Movies, Music
• DatabasesSpecial Collections (African American, Asian, Health & Medical, International Languages, Gaming/Local History, Southern Nevada Non-Profit Information Center, and Government Documents)
• Homework Help

Do Not Miss events at the Public Library

Events, events, and MORE events! You do not want to miss youth storytimes and programs, book and poetry discussions, gallery exhibits, film series, eMedia classes, computer classes for adults and senior citizens, and a variety of programs for adults! When I search for events at the LVCCLD.org events’ page, my heart leaps at the grand selection of activities. For music, The Wild West Winds Clarinet Quartet, the UNLV Jazz Concert Services UNLV Jazz Ensembles, and Music of Japan: Best of Both Worlds – Taiko & J –rock. For dance, the Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Dance Discovery Spring Concert (for 2014 “Fairytales and Fables”). Come see a FREE film showing, Family Lunchtime Movie Matinee at the Summerlin branch and Saturday Matinee at the Whitney Branch. Finance, health/wellness, storytimes, craft classes, lectures, puppet shows, dance, festivals and fairs! The events calendar is updated regularly, so keep coming back. The abundance will hold your interests and active all year long.