Solar Flux
By Jack Freer  |  Posted May 14, 2015  |  Tonopah, Nevada

Solar flux is easily visible against the dark sky at the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project near Tonopah, Nevada.

Solar flux, also referred to as concentrated solar energy, usually occurs during testing when multiple heliostat mirrors are aimed at a stand-by position and not focused on the receiver tower.

This project began in 2011 and it is expected to be in operation June 2015. The central receiver solar power tower is 540 feet tall and is the world’s tallest solar power tower. In comparison, the tower is 15 feet shorter than the Washington Monument.

The facility is built on 1,600 acres of public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management and uses 17,170 heliostat mirrors. Enough electricity will be generated to supply the needs of approximately 75,000 homes and is designed for an operational life of 30 years.

Solar Flux

Solar Flux