You’d never call Sin City an eco-tourism destination with its 24-7 neon lights, luxury hotels and culture of excess. However, a nifty upgrade to the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign could be leading the way for change.
The 25-foot tall, 55-year-old sign — a popular spot for tourists — has gone solar. As Earth Techling reports, three nearby solar structures tricked out with six 265-watt SolarWorld panels are now giving the sign its juice. Non-profit organizations Green Chips and Clean Energy Project completed the renovation with funding from the Consumer Electronics Association, NV Energy, the Las Vegas Centennial Commission and Bombard Renewable Energy.
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“The historic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign is synonymous with Las Vegas and today’s event reinforces Nevada’s commitment to a clean energy future,” Nevada Senator and majority leader Harry Reid said. “The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign has always represented the essence of Las Vegas and today that includes clean energy just as much as being one of the world’s preeminent tourist destinations.”
The move seems obvious in a place where the sun shines nearly every day. Hopefully other Vegas tourist attractions will follow suit.