Eaton Contracted to Provide MGM Resorts with Power Management Solutions for the Largest Rooftop Solar Project in the World

The MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) project is the world's largest rooftop solar array on a convention center, and is predicted to generate enough energy to power up to the equivalent of 1,000 homes per year.

PITTSBURGH, PA — Power management company Eaton today announced a contract to provide electrical distribution equipment for a 6.4-megawatt (MW) DC solar installation at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Convention Center in Las Vegas. The MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) project is the world's largest rooftop solar array on a convention center, and is predicted to generate enough energy to power up to the equivalent of 1,000 homes per year.


Eaton received the contract from Sunora Energy Solutions, the design-build firm responsible for providing solar PV system engineering, procurement, fabrication and construction for the project. Under the agreement, Eaton's electrical balance of system (BOS) solutions and services will help maximize energy harvest, while reducing installation costs and simplifying maintenance.

"The MGM Resorts solar project is a major milestone in the company's efforts to promote renewable energy generation and reduce dependence on fossil fuel," said John Vernacchia, global segment manager for renewable energy at Eaton. "By combining the capabilities of Eaton's proven solar products with Sunora's system design expertise, the installation will change the way that Las Vegas area produces and consumes electrical energy while providing a regional model that demonstrates the potential of renewable energy generation."

At peak production, the rooftop installation is expected to produce enough electricity to meet nearly 20 percent of the Mandalay Bay's power needs. The renewable energy will lower demand on the local power grid during peak demand, minimize the need to import energy from outside the local system and reduce the cost of energy for Las Vegas area customers.

MGM Resorts selected the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Convention Center for the solar array due to its 20-acre, sun-orientated rooftop space. This is the first commercial solar project in the U.S. for MGM Resorts. Once the project is complete, Mandalay Bay will buy the energy created by the array through a power purchase agreement.

The project will incorporate Eaton's BOS solutions and engineering services to help support safe, cost-effective and reliable solar generation. Under the contract, Eaton will supply a range of power management solutions, including: medium-voltage switchgear, transformers, switchboards, panel boards, disconnects, strut and cable trays, wire harnesses, as well as start up and commissioning services.

With a robust portfolio of electrical balance of system solutions, and a team of experienced engineers, Eaton builds solar systems tailored to customer requirements and provides the skills needed to successfully complete a project, from initial site assessment through post-installation measurement and verification and maintenance. For more information, visit www.eaton.com/solar.

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company also owns 51% of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50% of City Center in Las Vegas, which features ARIA resort and casino. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website atwww.mgmresorts.com.

The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is a unique destination resort set on 120 lush acres on the Las Vegas Strip. The resort offers three distinct hotel experiences: Mandalay Bay, a AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotel, with 3,211 luxurious rooms and suites reflecting a modern tropical ambiance; Four Seasons Hotel, a AAA Five Diamond hotel-within-a-hotel, offering 424 newly remodeled rooms and suites; and the stand-alone luxury all-suite Delano Las Vegas that debuted Sept. 2, 2014. Mandalay Bay boasts an 11-acre tropical pool paradise featuring real sand, a wave pool, the only climate-controlled, poolside gaming in the city and the new DAYLIGHT Beach Club. Other property highlights include world-class entertainment at the 12,000-seat Mandalay Bay Events Center, award-winning dining by celebrity chefs and restaurateurs, the new LIGHT Nightclub, Shark Reef Aquarium and the 1.7-million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Mandalay Bay's offerings also include BATHHOUSE Spa, House of Blues Concert Hall and restaurant, and The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, a collection of unique boutiques and restaurants. Mandalay Bay recently became home to Michael Jackson ONE, Cirque du Soleil's latest resident production based on the music and choreography of the King of Pop. Mandalay Bay is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit mandalaybay.com or call toll free at (877) 632-7800 or find us onFacebook and Twitter.

Through projects like the solar installation at Mandalay Bay, NRG Energy is leading customer-driven change in the U.S. energy industry by delivering cleaner and smarter energy choices, while building on the strength of the nation's largest and most diverse competitive power portfolio. A Fortune 250 company, NRG creates value through reliable and efficient conventional generation while driving innovation in solar and renewable power, electric vehicle ecosystems, carbon capture technology and customer-centric energy solutions. For more information about NRG, please visit the company's website at http://nrg.com.

Sunora Energy Solutions is a full-service, engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), operations, and maintenance company that makes renewable power cost effective through proprietary innovation, scale, and operational excellence. Sunora provides high quality, turnkey solutions at the lowest total cost in the industry. Sunora services a range of customers from developers to consumers across the United States and North America that need affordable utility and distributed power generation, including solar, wind, and microgrid applications.

For more information about Sunora Energy Solutions, please visit the company's website atwww.sunoraenergy.com.

Eaton's electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today's most critical electrical power management challenges.

Eaton is a power management company with 2013 sales of $22.0 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 103,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

Featured Product

Introducing RockIt Smart Slide

Introducing RockIt Smart Slide

Introducing RockIt Smart Slide - the ultimate solution for fast and easy installation of the rail-less RockIt racking system on composition shingle roofs. Smart Slide conforms to UL 441 and TAS 100 (A)-95 for wind and wind-driven rain, providing a super-strong watertight seal that is achieved through compression, in most cases without the need for additional sealant. The waterproofing sealant is embedded deep into the granules of the shingle, thanks to the integrated flexible foam layer that provides cushioning. This ensures a secure fit that conforms to any architectural-style shingle. With UltraGrip Technologyâ„¢, you can rely on a secure installation, as it absorbs the movement created by thermal expansion and contraction. The pre-installed sealing pads are compatible with all composition shingle roofs, making it the ideal choice, even in ambient temperatures as low as 5 degrees.