Description

Seen here during its construction, the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project near Tonopah, Nevada, USA, now powers approximately 75,000 homes during peak electricity periods. The facility uses 17,500 heliostat mirrors to collect and focus the sun’s thermal energy in order to heat molten salt flowing through a 525-foot (160-meter) tall solar power tower at its center. The molten salt then flows from the tower down to a storage tank, where it is used to produce steam and generate electricity. For a sense of scale, check out the lower left corner where you'll find a commercial airplane flying over the complex.