The Las Vegas Ice Center joins a growing number of businesses that are relying on the sun’s power to electrify their operations, reduce reliance on fossil-fueled energy and dramatically lower energy costs.
The family-owned skating center recently debuted a massive solar rooftop system that will generate 900,000 kWh per year of clean and sustainable energy and tremendously impact the cost to operate and cool the 60,000-square-foot facility and its two ice skating rinks. By comparison, the average U.S. home uses 10,800 kWh per year.
Sol-Up, a Las Vegas-based renewable energy solutions company, installed Meyer-Burger panels on the facility’s roof. This is the first installation of Meyer-Burger’s new glass-on-glass 540-watt modules, which were produced in the United States at the Meyer-Burger Goodyear, Arizona, manufacturing plant. Sol-Up is the leading installer of Meyer-Burger high-performance photovoltaic panels.
“Energy costs have always been a concern for our business,” said Keith Brooks, co-owner of Las Vegas Ice Center. “Keeping our facility cool, including our two large ice rinks, is essential all yearlong and increasingly costly during the many months of 100+ degree days. Harnessing the sun’s energy gives us the power we need, reduces our electricity costs, and allows us to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint.”
The solar panels are expected to reduce the Las Vegas Ice Center’s energy costs by more than $2 million over the next 25 years. By relying on clean and sustainable solar energy, the Las Vegas Ice Center will reduce its carbon emissions by an estimated 324.4 tons per year.
“Businesses across the valley are seeing the value in adopting clean energy solutions as the cost of electricity goes up — and will continue to do so in the years to come,” said Steve Hamile, chief operating officer of Sol-Up. “I want to thank the Las Vegas Ice Center for allowing us to help them reduce their energy costs and, in the process, do something great for our community. By obtaining the majority of their power from a renewable source, the Ice Center is reducing their reliance on fossil-fueled energy, which is responsible for the breathtaking effects of climate change.”
As part of their solar power transformation, the Las Vegas Ice Center uses an electric and rechargeable Olympia ice resurfacer on the two rinks. This further reduces the use of fossil-fueled devices at the center and avoids the fumes emitted by fuel-powered ice resurfacers.
The Las Vegas Ice Center is a family-owned operation serving the Southern Nevada community since 2003. The facility’s two ice rinks are a hub for the local youth and adult hockey leagues, hockey tournaments, public skate sessions, parties and other events.
The Ice Center also offers professional instruction to those seeking to improve their skills in hockey and figure skating. Adjacent to the skating facility is the family owned bar and restaurant, Brooksy’s. Additional information can be found at lasvegasice.com.
Sol-Up is Nevada’s premier clean energy solutions company and the state’s longest-continuously operating solar company. Since 2009, Sol-Up has provided full-service solutions to more than 15,000 residential and business clients. Sol-Up differentiates itself from other solar companies by handling all aspects of a project in-house, utilizing highly trained employees, not sub-contractors. Sol-Up’s NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certified team provides clients with deep industry knowledge about cutting-edge technologies, pricing and a reputation for doing things right. As a result of its excellent reputation and high-quality work, Sol-Up is the only company in the United States to achieve Pinnacle Partner status with Meyer Burger, the U.S. manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic cells and modules. Sol-Up worked with legislators to help pass Senate Bill 293, which provides Nevada residents with several protections from unscrupulous solar operators. Sol-Up strongly supports organizations in the communities in which it operates, providing solar rooftop systems at no or minimal cost. Sol-Up was named Best Solar Company in the 2024 Best of Boulder City Awards and 2024 Best of Sierra Nevada Awards. For additional information about the company and its products, go to solup.com.
