Copper Mountain Solar

Project introduction

Copper Mountain Solar stands just outside Boulder City along the desert edge of Clark County, where Nevada’s sunlight stretches for miles. The rows of solar panels at this site feed 812 megawatts of homegrown electricity into the grid. That’s enough to supply more than 153,000 homes across Nevada and neighboring states. The project sits on land long shaped by power generation, yet remains designed to coexist with the natural landscape and historic uses of this region.

Development at Copper Mountain Solar began in 2009 with the first phase, followed by several expansions through 2021 and the addition of advanced battery storage planned for 2027-2030.

Site location

A circular inset shows dark blue solar panels and a distant mountain; a teal Nevada map labeled "Clark County, Nevada" and the title "Copper Mountain Solar".

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In 2022, RWE acquired the project and began full operations, supported by a dedicated team that keeps the panels running year-round. The result is a site that strengthens Nevada’s grid while protecting local communities from the volatility of traditional energy costs.

Copper Mountain isn’t just about kilowatts. The project’s impact ripples through Boulder City with $4.6 million in lease payments, ongoing charity sponsorships, and long-term jobs for local families. The land remains protected for future generations, and when the technology reaches the end of its life, RWE will return the site to its original use. This is a Nevada-led project built for years of reliable, resilient energy.

Status: In development

Facts & figures

00 MW

solar generating capacity delivering clean, homegrown power

00 Homes

supplied annually with reliable electricity

$ 00 Billion

total investment fueling local economic growth

$ 00 Million

in lease payments benefiting Boulder City

00 Jobs

provided in full-time operations and site management

00 Years

from initial phase in 2009 to full operational build-out in 2030

Project Benefits

A sunlit small-town street with a brown vintage pickup and a red car near a retro metal sign reading "RESTAURANT", palm trees and blue sky.

Lasting Economic Investment for Nevada

With $1.4 billion invested since construction began, Copper Mountain Solar has become one of the largest private investments in Boulder City’s history. That money goes beyond steel and panels. Lease payments flow directly into the city budget, supporting everything from parks to public safety. Annual operations sustain full-time jobs with competitive pay and benefits. Local contractors and businesses supply the materials and services needed to keep the solar complex running smoothly. Over the life of the project, Copper Mountain’s economic impact will ripple through Clark County schools, public services, and small businesses.

Rows of dark blue photovoltaic panels stand on a dry, pebble-strewn plain with a rugged brown mountain ridge rising beneath a clear pale-blue sky.

Stable Power Prices and Energy Security

Solar power generation at Copper Mountain shields Nevada homes and businesses from the price swings common to fossil fuel markets. By generating electricity locally, the site insulates customers from future fluctuations in natural gas or fuel prices, which can drive up energy bills. With battery storage coming online later this decade, Copper Mountain will help the region handle evening peaks and unexpected surges in demand. That means steadier prices and a more secure supply of electricity for families and employers across southern Nevada.

A man wearing a white hard hat labeled "RWE" and a beige work shirt stands smiling before blue solar panels in a desert landscape.

Public Health and Clean Air Improvements

Every year, Copper Mountain Solar prevents more than 2.4 million pounds of harmful pollutants from entering the air. That means less smog, fewer respiratory problems, and better health for children and seniors in Boulder City and beyond. The project’s operations conserve nearly 900 million gallons of water annually by using a generation method that doesn’t require cooling or steam. Lower air pollution also translates to an estimated $40 million each year in public health savings. These benefits make clean energy more than just a technical achievement—they bring real quality-of-life improvements to the region.

Stronger Electric Grid

Rows of glossy blue solar panels fill the foreground, reflecting a golden sunrise while tall steel transmission towers stand against a pale orange sky.
TIC02-stronger-electric-grid

Nevada Power Built for Tomorrow

A strong grid keeps daily life running—air conditioners humming in July, medical centers online during storms, and manufacturers operating without costly interruptions. Copper Mountain Solar feeds energy directly into Nevada’s grid, reducing dependence on electricity imported from other states. This homegrown power makes the whole network more resilient. The addition of new battery storage will give grid operators more flexibility, providing backup during high-demand events and easing the strain on aging infrastructure. For residents and businesses, this means fewer outages, faster recovery after storms, and the confidence that local power keeps pace with Nevada’s growth.

Generations of Impact: Copper Mountain's Lasting Legacy

Stand in Boulder City and look out toward Copper Mountain Solar and you see more than machinery—you see enduring investment in Clark County’s future. Over the next three decades, lease payments from this facility will fund classrooms, libraries, and critical infrastructure. Local jobs keep families rooted in the community while attracting new talent to the region. With reliable energy, schools don’t lose hours to blackouts, small businesses keep serving their customers, and families know the power will be there when they need it most.

Five bighorn sheep walk in a loose line across a sunlit green park lawn, with tan rocky hills, blue sky and a leafy tree.

Copper Mountain’s story is tightly woven into Nevada’s own. It draws on the traditions of land stewardship and innovation that have shaped Boulder City for generations. RWE’s operations team is local; they know the weather and the needs of the community because they live here too. Charity support—like the Bratwurst Festival and Art in the Park—adds another layer of partnership. The site’s environmental practices ensure the land remains vibrant and can even support pollinator habitats alongside power production.

Looking ahead, Copper Mountain Solar is positioned to keep delivering benefits as Nevada’s population grows and its energy landscape changes. When technology changes or the facility eventually reaches retirement, RWE has committed to returning the land to its original use—a promise that ensures the project’s impact is measured in decades, not just years. Families, businesses, and the wider Clark County community all have a stake in Copper Mountain’s success. It’s energy built here, powering a future that everyone in Nevada can share.

Copper Mountain Solar’s connection to Boulder City extends well beyond electricity. RWE annually sponsors beloved local happenings, from the Bratwurst Festival and Art in the Park to Santa’s Electric Park Parade. The company has contributed to Boulder City Art Walk and other creative programs, making arts and culture more accessible to area residents. Employment starts locally—16 full-time positions manage operations, serve as first responders for technical issues, and build long-term careers in the clean energy industry. Lease payments strengthen the city’s budget, while operational transparency includes public safety and environmental monitoring as core parts of the project’s promise.

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