Is on-site solar power a necessity?

In some markets, on-site generation is a necessity if a company wishes to get a facility through the planning process. And, at a time of increasing energy costs, every penny counts. “On-site solar power is one of the lowest-cost sources of clean energy but can have some limitations,” says Iron Mountain’s Pennington.

Is on-site solar a good choice?

While not a de facto choice – especially for large hyperscale facilities – on-site solar is growing in popularity as companies look to boost their green credentials and save money against high energy costs. Operators large and small have deployed solar panels to the rooftops of their facilities.

Do solar panels work everywhere?

Solar panels work everywhere in the United States, but some areas have more sunny, clear days than others, which means more energy production. Other factors to consider are the elevation of the land (the flatter, the better) and proximity to transmission lines and the point of electricity consumption (the closer, the better).

Do solar panels grow pollinator habitats?

Growing pollinator habitats under solar panels is becoming more common in the United States. More than 150 solar facilities have pollinator habitats grown onsite, but most of these sites are less than 20 megawatts in size. Fifteen states have guidelines for seed mixes and management practices.

How many solar sites does Digital Realty have?

Digital Realty currently has 19 sites hosting behind-the-meter solar installations totaling 9.8MW capacity. The company tells us it has an “additional roadmap to continue to grow, with additional projects in the planning or construction stage.”

Can solar panels cause stormwater runoff?

If not properly managed, solar facilities can cause stormwater runoff from the site or soil erosion of the land underneath. Some site management practices include site grading and terracing, vegetation under the panels, and retention ponds.