In today’s digital age, data centres play a key role, but the energy consumption of data centres is substantial, making it crucial to explore sustainable energy solutions. With such large and often clear, flat roofs, solar panels are an obvious option for powering data centres, offering a clean and renewable energy supply that can cut energy costs and carbon emissions with one programme.
The single bigger barrier to adoption is often the cost of a solar installation. The challenge disappears with solar panel incentives like the Big Green Billion from Electron Green. Within this programme, there is funding of up to £1 billion to provide, install and maintain free solar systems, with guaranteed service quality and support. The building occupant pays only for the solar electricity used, and at a lower price than the grid. A Zero capital outlay; low cost electricity. A real win, win.
Solar panels for data centres operate in the same way as those for other applications. They consist of photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity is then converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter, making it compatible with the electrical systems of data centres.
Data centres typically require a significant amount of electricity to power their servers, cooling systems, and other infrastructure. By installing solar panels, data centres can generate a portion of their electricity requirement on-site, reducing their reliance on traditional energy sources and decreasing their carbon footprint which can be particularly beneficial.
In an era where environmental responsibility is not just appreciated but expected by consumers, installing solar panels on your data centre goes beyond immediate cost savings. It positions your brand in a leadership position, resonating with external and internal audiences who are increasingly making decisions based on a company’s environmental impact.
By reducing dependence on traditional energy providers and harnessing renewable energy generated on-site, you avoid transmission losses, significantly cut your carbon footprint and demonstrate a genuine commitment to climate-friendly innovation. This proactive approach enhances your brand’s reputation for corporate responsibility, positioning your company as a leader. More than just following the green trend, it signals to stakeholders that your business is actively driving the transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Embracing solar may open doors to new business opportunities by attracting partners and clients who share a commitment to tackling climate change.. This can result in a powerful network. Solar panels on your data centre become more than just an energy solution—they represent your brand’s commitment to a more sustainable future, a reflection of your core ethical values, and a distinct competitive edge in a market that increasingly values tangible actions over empty promises in addressing environmental challenges.
Data centres are renowned for their significant energy consumption, often resulting in high operational costs. By generating your electricity on-site through solar panels, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills and have less reliance on grid power. This shift can lead to substantial long-term savings as solar power offsets a considerable portion of your energy expenses.
Energy resilience is critical for data centres, where even a brief outage can have far-reaching consequences. Solar panels generate electricity directly on-site, ensuring that critical operations remain uninterrupted during unforeseen events. This enhanced energy resilience not only supports data continuity but also provides peace of mind to businesses and clients who rely on your infrastructure. Coupled with energy storage solutions, solar power allows data centres to maintain round-the-clock functionality, even in challenging scenarios, solidifying their reputation as reliable and forward-thinking facilities.
As governments and regulatory bodies intensify their focus on sustainability, businesses are under growing pressure to adopt greener practices. Installing solar panels allows data centres to align with evolving environmental regulations, ensuring compliance and reducing potential regulatory risks. This proactive approach can open doors to achieving prestigious green certifications, such as LEED or BREEAM, which not only validate your commitment to sustainable operations but also serve as a powerful marketing tool.
Solar involves a significant upfront financial investment, however, there are many options now for business owners interested in the savings to be made with solar but who do have the required capital. These include joint ventures with solar developers, lease-to-own and free systems linked to a PPA.
Along with these government incentives, the funding of up to £1 billion with Electron Green opens up more opportunities for UK data centres and industrial buildings to implement solar panels.
Data centres often have large rooftop areas that are suitable for solar PV installations. These rooftops provide ample space for mounting solar panels, maximising sun exposure and energy generation. Flat or low-sloped roofs are particularly ideal for solar installations, as they offer ease of installation and minimal shading.
In cases where rooftop space is limited, data centres can consider ground-mounted solar PV systems. Open ground areas surrounding the data centre facility, such as car parks or unused land, can be utilised to install solar panels. Ground-mounted systems allow for flexibility in panel placement and orientation, ensuring maximum energy production.
Our dedicated Electron Green team will be sure to assess the suitability of your site, taking into account factors such as roof orientation, structural integrity, shading from adjacent structures, and planning permissions.
There are key steps to install solar panels on data centres, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to clean energy. Electron Green follows a comprehensive process with guaranteed service quality and support.
Based on the findings from the site assessment, our engineers developed a detailed system design. This includes determining the optimal number of solar panels, inverters, and other necessary components required to generate the desired amount of clean energy. We handle all necessary paperwork and permit applications required for solar panel installations. Our team ensures compliance with local regulations and guidelines, streamlining the process and saving you time and effort.
Once all permits and documentation are in place, our professional installation team begins the process of mounting the solar panels on your data centre roof. Our technicians are skilled and experienced in handling solar installations, ensuring a high-quality and efficient installation process. Once installed, we will connect the solar PV system to your data centre’s electrical infrastructure. This includes integrating the inverters, wiring, and configuring the system to feed the generated electricity into your building’s electrical grid.
We will conduct rigorous testing to ensure the optimal performance of your solar PV system. Our team will then provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance services to keep everything working perfectly. This is included free of charge for our free solar solution and at a competitive rate for purchased systems. Our monitoring systems track energy production, identify any issues, and allow for timely maintenance to maximise the efficiency and lifespan of your system.
For further guidance on solar panel installations for data centres or other commercial buildings, contact us at Electron Green where the team can help with customised solutions. Get in touch with the Electron Green team today.
What does a commercial solar PV installation actually involve? From the first consultation to flipping the switch, here’s a breakdown of what’s included in a commercial solar panel installation and what to expect at every stage.
Read more
Why Free Solar for Business Make Financial Sense
Read more
