This photograph features the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center, which will soon become a solar power-producing giant. Salt Lake County and its project partners announced plans to construct a 600,000-square foot photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of the center. Once operational, the system of more than 11,000 panels is expected to produce up to 2.6 MW, providing one-quarter of the total energy needs of the convention center. The project is part of Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon’s goal to install a total 10 megawatts of solar power on county-owned facilities. The project will be funded through a power purchase agreement in which Salt Lake County will partner with two Colorado-based companies. Solar integrator and project developer Bella Energy will build the system, while NexGen Energy Partners will own, operate, and maintain it. Funding for the project also includes approximately $5.7 million in federal support in a mix of tax credits, grants, and subsidized bonds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Installation is expected to be completed in 2011.