Data centers love solar: Here’s a comprehensive guide to deals over 100 megawatts

Tech Crunch - Mar 30th, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

The rapid expansion of data centers to support AI advancements has significantly increased the demand for energy, leading tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon to invest heavily in solar power. This shift is expected to double the power demand of data centers by 2029, with solar energy becoming a favored choice due to its cost-effectiveness and quick deployment time. Recent large-scale deals include Meta's agreements for a total of over 1,500 megawatts of solar capacity and Microsoft's addition of 389 megawatts from multiple U.S. solar farms.

As data centers expand globally, the push for renewable energy, particularly solar, is gaining momentum. Solar power's lower cost and rapid deployment make it an attractive option, especially as tech companies prioritize sustainability. This trend is not limited to the U.S., with investments also seen in regions like India and South America. The continued reliance on solar energy by major tech firms reflects a broader shift towards sustainable practices in the tech industry, highlighting the critical role of renewable energy in meeting future power demands.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights the growing trend of solar power adoption by tech companies in response to increased data center energy demands. Its strengths lie in its timeliness and clarity, addressing a current topic with clear and accessible language. However, the article's accuracy and transparency are limited by the lack of direct sourcing and detailed verification of specific claims. While it provides an engaging overview of solar power deals, it lacks a balanced perspective by not addressing potential challenges or opposing viewpoints. The article's public interest is high, given the relevance of renewable energy to sustainability efforts, but its potential impact is constrained by a focus on individual company actions rather than broader systemic issues. Overall, the article offers valuable insights but could benefit from more comprehensive sourcing and a balanced exploration of the complexities surrounding renewable energy adoption.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims that appear to be accurate but require further verification. For instance, the claim that data centers are expected to double their power demand by 2029, according to JLL, needs confirmation from JLL's reports. Similarly, details about specific solar deals, such as Meta's 200-megawatt agreement with Engie and Microsoft's 389 megawatt deal with EDP Renewables, should be cross-verified with company announcements or credible news sources. The general trend of increased solar power adoption by tech companies aligns with industry reports, but individual deal specifics need more robust evidence. The story's accuracy is somewhat compromised by the lack of direct citations or references to original sources, which affects the verifiability of its claims.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of solar power adoption by tech companies, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment. However, it lacks a balanced perspective by not addressing potential challenges or criticisms, such as the environmental impact of solar farm construction or the intermittency issue in more detail. Additionally, while it mentions other energy sources like nuclear and natural gas, the coverage is not as extensive as it is for solar power, suggesting a potential bias towards promoting solar energy. Including counterarguments or perspectives from skeptics of large-scale solar adoption could provide a more balanced view.

8
Clarity

The article is generally well-written, with a clear structure and logical flow. It effectively outlines the main points, such as the expansion of data centers and the increasing adoption of solar power. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the information easy to understand for a general audience. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of technical terms, such as 'intermittency,' to improve comprehension for readers unfamiliar with energy industry jargon. Overall, the article's clarity is strong, but slight improvements in explaining complex concepts could enhance reader understanding.

5
Source quality

The article does not provide specific references or direct quotes from authoritative sources, which affects the reliability of the information presented. While it mentions companies like JLL, Engie, and EDP Renewables, the lack of direct citations from these entities or other credible sources diminishes the article's credibility. The reliance on unnamed 'experts' for certain claims, such as the intermittency of solar power, further undermines the authority of the information. To improve source quality, the article should include direct links to studies, reports, or statements from the companies and experts mentioned.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how the information was gathered or provide any context about potential conflicts of interest. The absence of direct citations or links to original sources makes it difficult for readers to assess the basis of the claims. Moreover, the article does not explain the criteria for selecting the examples of solar deals or the rationale behind the focus on solar power over other energy sources. Providing clear sourcing and methodology details would enhance transparency and allow readers to evaluate the article's impartiality more effectively.

Sources

  1. https://arka360.com/ros/reducing-data-center-energy-costs/
  2. https://20fix.com
  3. https://www.solarwa.org/data_centers_need_solar_energy
  4. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=391130%3Futm_source%3Dakdart
  5. https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/pv_solar/driving-the-future-of-data-centers-with-20250314