LAS VEGAS (AP) - Tribal leaders and U.S. officials marked the completion of a nearly $2.4 million solar power array at a freeway travel stop and convenience store off Interstate 15 outside Las Vegas.
Moapa Band of Paiutes Tribal Council Chairwoman Aletha Tom said Tuesday the 252 kilowatt project at the Moapa Travel Plaza could serve as a model for other hybrid microgrid projects around the country.
United States Department of Agriculture and Stronghold Engineering officials said the project was funded by an Agriculture Department High Energy Cost Grant.
Backers say the solar array and storage system reduces diesel fuel use by about half, cuts carbon dioxide emissions and will save money.
The travel plaza and fireworks stand is at the Valley of Fire State Park turnoff about 40 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
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