Clean the Sky, a publication covering positive environmental trends and breakthroughs, spotlights DataBank’s planned rooftop solar installation at its HOU3 data center in Houston as a leading example of how the data center industry is rethinking onsite energy generation. The 3,150 kW array is expected to be the largest rooftop solar installation in the Houston metropolitan area.

The system will generate approximately 4.5 million kilowatt hours annually over a projected 25-year operational life. Its levelized cost of energy is designed to match current utility rates from day one, effectively serving as a long-term hedge against grid price volatility while reducing reliance on external renewable energy certificates.

“This project shows that achieving sustainability goals directly supports strong business performance in a grid-constrained world. By generating renewable energy on site, we’re creating a cost-effective path to our net zero commitments while providing immediate value to our stakeholders.”

— Ethan Eisenberg, Director of Energy and Sustainability Management, DataBank

Wunder Power will manage design, construction, monitoring, and maintenance throughout the system’s operational life. The HOU3 installation marks a key milestone in DataBank’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions and 100 percent carbon-free power by 2030, with the company evaluating additional solar opportunities across its 70-plus data center portfolio.

Read the full article at Clean the Sky.