The Setting

It's another day at the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, the largest solar plant in the United States. So, what's it like there?

Oregon State University, "Solar Thermal Plant" 9/16/15 via flickr. Public Domain.

As the sun rises deep in the Mojave Desert, a distinct humming noise can be heard as you step closer to the large tower in front of you, coming from the steam generator nearby. You are starting another day at Ivanpah Solar Power Facility as a technician, ensuring the plant runs at optimal efficiency during the day. Nearly 200,000 mirrors surround you, taking up an area of nearly 4,000 acres, with three towers such as the one you're standing next becoming the focus of the sun's energy as the day begins. As you look out onto the horizon and see the Spring Mountains, you notice a small bird heading towards one of the solar towers. Suddenly, you see a trail of smoke following the now falling bird, and you run over towards where it landed. As you find the bird laying on the ground, you pick it up and feel its charred feathers, knowing that it has been burned by the intense heat of the solar flux above you. While this is not an entirely uncommon occurrence at the plant, it becomes clear that the intense sun being focused by the mirrors is cause for concern.