Casino gambles on solar energy

Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort in Southern California is going green in a big way.

The casino installed 4,000 solar panels that cover more than 5 acres, added energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and retrofitted 10,000 light fixtures, according to the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

Suntech Power installed the system, which provides 25% of the casino's annual power needs. Rincon will receive a rebate totalling $3 million over five years, thanks to the partnership between Rincon, San Diego Gas & Electric, TRANE and California Center for Sustainable Energy.

The casino began a "Code Green" environmental sustainability program in 2008. That includes strategies for recycling, water conservation, beach cleanup and transportation, as well as solar.