Solar Mirrors in the Nevada Desert

I live in a really beautiful part of England, Cornwall, where green hills are hugged by hand built stone walls. The landscape boasts a view at every turn and the sea just clearly steels the show whenever it is revealed. Recently though more and more solar panel-filled fields are popping up. Obviously harnessing the power of the sun is a really good idea and I can totally understand why farmers might fill a field with solar panels (as well as sheep at times!) to earn more cash in a tricky business. However they are just not pretty. My objection is probably more the fact that the placement and design doesn't seem considered to the environment. I feel that architecture - and anything built - should consider its environment, to work with it or contrast to it but there must always be relationship, a conversation and at least a consideration.

Anyway, so this morning I come across photographer Reuben Wu and his photographs of the solar mirrors in the Nevada SolarReserve and I stand corrected - solar panels can be beautiful - really beautiful.

Isn't it amazing how a photographer, or an artist can help you see something in a new way? By taking his photographs at dusk these 10,000 mirrors reflect the light like a large expanse of sea might the ever changing sky.

Nearly 75,000 homes are powered by this mass of shininess. A highly practical and functional feature of the landscape becomes a rather awe inspiring art installation worthy of admiration. In my eyes, just beautiful.   

See more here.