AI is everywhere now – answering questions, helping with work, even running smart home devices. But here's the thing most people don't realize: AI is incredibly hungry for electricity. Can solar help with this problem? Find out in the article.
Key takeaways
When you ask ChatGPT a question, it feels instant and simple. But behind the scenes, huge computer warehouses are working hard to give you those answers. Here’re the three things drawing the most power:
One large data center uses 50-100 megawatts of power non-stop. That's enough electricity for 35,000 to 75,000 homes. Microsoft and Google each used 24 TWh of electricity in 2023 – than entire countries like Iceland, Dominican Republic, and Tunisia. By 2030, AI could use two-three times more electricity than it does today.
All these tons of electricity have to come from somewhere, right? Tech companies like Google and Microsoft are building massive solar farms to power their computer centers. Why? Solar power checks all the boxes:
✓ You can start small and grow. Just like adding more solar panels to your roof over time, data centers can start with small solar farms and add more as needed. You don't have to build everything at once like with other power sources.
✓ You can save money. Solar electricity costs have dropped over 80% in ten years. In most places, it's now cheaper than regular grid power. For computer centers that run 24/7, these savings add up fast.
✓ You can build anywhere sunny. States like Arizona, Nevada, and Texas have great sun and cheap land. This is perfect for huge AI server farms. It also helps homeowners because more solar power means less stress on local power grids.
✓ Peak power matches peak use. Solar makes the most electricity during business hours when people use AI the most. While your home solar system might make extra power during the day, AI centers can use all that power right away.
✓ No dependence on the power company. Big solar farms with batteries can keep AI running even when regular power grids have problems. It's like having a whole-house battery backup, but for entire computer centers.
Solar sounds perfect for powering AI, but let's be honest – it's not that simple yet. Here are real problems that need fixing first:
✗ The sun doesn't shine at night. This is the biggest problem since AI works 24/7. But battery technology is getting much better. Tesla makes huge battery systems that store daytime solar power for nighttime use.
✗ Solar farms cost a lot upfront. A data center solar setup might cost $100-200 million to start. But just like your home solar panels, it pays for itself through lower electricity bills.
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✗ Good solar spots aren't always near internet cables. The best places for solar aren't always close to major internet connections. But fiber optic cables and satellite internet are making it easier to build data centers in remote sunny areas.
Both solar and AI keep getting better. New solar panels make more electricity from the same amount of sunlight. AI computer chips use less power each year while doing more work. As both technologies get better and cheaper, solar-powered AI won't be some future dream – it'll be how things actually work.
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Years of experience in translation and a love of nature help Julia find the right words to encourage going solar. She joined the team in 2023 and is happy to make her contribution to a greener future.
More articles from this authorIllustrator: Dasha Vasina
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