In partnership with developer DSD Renewables, Caesars Entertainment has installed four solar energy canopies totaling 6.5 MW at the gaming company’s Atlantic City, N.J., destinations.
The installations are across two different Caesars Atlantic City properties and will produce approximately 8.29 MWh of clean energy each year. A fifth solar canopy is currently under development and is slated to be complete in 2024, bringing the entire solar portfolio to 7.4 MW.
The portfolio supports Caesars’ environmental commitment to promote initiatives and activities that reduce the carbon footprint of its properties. Caesars is one of the largest customers of Atlantic City Electric in Atlantic City—the local utility—and these projects will offset approximately 6% of its energy needs for the resort properties in the area. The portfolio will also help support New Jersey’s clean energy objectives, which align with Caesars’ goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Eric Dominguez, SVP of engineering and asset management at Caesars Entertainment, said, “These projects in Atlantic City exemplify our pursuit to integrate more clean energy resources into our business and implement on-site renewables across our portfolio nationally while delivering real value locally to the communities in which we operate.”
The completed projects include 1.7 MW and 886 kW solar garage canopies at Caesars Atlantic City, as well as two installations at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City: a 1.9 MW solar canopy at Harrah’s self-park garage and a 1.9 MW canopy at Harrah’s valet garage.
The effort also includes a 913 kW solar rooftop system at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center that will be installed in early 2024, further enhancing the LEED-certified convention space as a green meeting destination.
The solar canopies will provide shaded parking for staff and customers and reduce snow removal costs, while the rooftop system will extend the roof’s lifespan and reduce cooling needs by limiting UV exposure.
With the existing structural layout, building heights, and the location of the project sites being in such close proximity to the coast, this created an added layer of complexity. DSD’s in-house canopy team created custom engineering designs that were tailored to accommodate increased wind load and risk factors, with structural connections that allow steel and electrical systems to be elevated and protected from storms.
“It’s a privilege to be able to work with Caesars to deliver real value to their business and the local community,” said Dan O’Brien, VP of commercial origination at DSD.
DSD financed and developed the installations and will serve as the long-term owner and operator of the systems. DSD is exploring additional projects with Caesars Entertainment at other destinations across the U.S.
Photos courtesy of DSD Renewables