Data Centers Go Solar

I/o Data Centers, an IT infrastructure provider located in Phoenix, will turn to the sun for some of its power supply.  It is set to install a huge solar panel array that will generate a maximum of 4.5 megawatts of electricity.  It would be enough to partially power the data center, which has a maximum load of 80 megawatts.

Once completed, it will be the biggest solar power system that’s been incorporated to an existing data center.  Its total power output will be almost three times that of the 1.6 megawatts generated by the solar power system installed at the Googleplex.

The first phase will consist of 5,000 solar panels that will generate 500 kilowatts.  It will be completed by January 2010.  This solar array will be expanded until it reaches the full capacity of 4.5 megawatts.  The target date for completion will be in late 2010.

Even though the solar power system will only power part of the whole data center, the company will be saving at least 50 percent of its energy bill because the company will also implement an on-site thermal storage system.

The IT industry has also been a staunch supporter of solar energy.  In 2007, AISO.net hosted the Live Earth’s web site.  AISO is short for Affordable Internet Services Online.  Live Earth is a series of global concerts to address climate change.  AISO.net uses solar power in its operation.   It’s their mission to be a reliable and responsible web hosting company.  AISO is located in Southern California, where the sun is often shining.

What makes AISO.net unique from other data centers and hosting providers is that it is 100% powered by solar energy.  It uses 120 solar panels installed at both sides of its data center facility.  To cool the facility, ASIO.net uses two air/water units that use only 1,200 watts, at full speed.  They can cool 110 degree air down to 55 degrees, with no humidity.  Plus the facility catches all the water from the building and the solar panels, and brings them to a sump, which will then divert them to tanks.  That’s how committed the company is with regards to conservation and the environment.

I/O Data Centers going partially solar is a good start.  Hopefully they will follow ASIO.net’s footsteps. and go 100% solar in the future.  That the IT industry is utilizing solar power only goes to show that the sun is a reliable, sustainable source of energy that businesses can harness.

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