The Feasibility of Solar-Powered Data Centers

from the ROI dept

With the DOE sponsoring all sorts of energy-saving projects for data centers, there is going to be some inevitable interest in alternative power solutions. Last year, Emerson unveiled a 7,800-square-foot rooftop solar array -- the largest solar array in the state of Missouri -- with 550 solar panels able to generate 100 kilowatts of electricity (apparently enough energy to power an average American home for over 3 days). While it's definitely a green way to generate power, it also generates publicity for that $50 million investment in solar power.

But the real question should be about the return on investment. A recent report on Missouri's largest solar-powered data center discusses several factors in the decision-making process to deploy photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Obviously, sunny locations work best for solar power set-ups. And interestingly, very large data centers have a bit of an advantage since spacious rooftops make for nice PV arrays. But additionally, a data center designed to be 100% solar powered would require a PV array approximately 8 to 10 times the size of the data center. So at this point, solar power isn't exactly a silver bullet for all of a data center's energy needs. However, back to the ROI... it is not unusual to take 20 to 30 years to recover an initial investment for a solar power installation. Clearly, the long-term planning of a solar array really is a formidable task that requires quite a bit of dedication -- given that the payback might be a generation away.