Facebook to Add Three Solar Farms to Power Data Centers

Facebook is one of the companies on the forefront of the movement to being 100 percent powered by solar energy. Now, they’re getting one step closer, as they have announced they’re going to add three large solar farms in Utah and New Mexico, which will add 160MW of power capacity to Facebook’s data center power supply.

Facebook rivaling Alphabet in its renewable energy goal.

Facebook is attempting to rival Alphabet, which has already achieved their renewable energy goal after they bought enough solar and wind energy to power all their data centers and other global operations. To do so, Alphabet bought 3GW worth of energy. Facebook has also signed a contract to buy that much, and 2.5GW has already been contracted.

Facilities in New Mexico.

In New Mexico, two 50MW projects are planned, one of which will be completed and online by 2019. The second will be completed and online by June 2020.

Pat Vincent Collawn, chair, president, and CEO of PNM Resources, says, “Opportunities for solar energy are abundant in New Mexico, and Facebook’s growth allows us to demonstrate our commitment to making our state a sustainable energy leader. We are proud to support Facebook’s presence in New Mexico.”

PNM Resources is currently working together with Facebook in New Mexico to bring these solar farm facilities to life.

“With these two new projects, we have worked with PNM to bring 396 megawatts of new wind and solar projects that will contribute to a greener grid and help bring more renewable energy and investment to New Mexico,” says Bobby Hollis, Head of Global Energy at Facebook. “We appreciate New Mexico’s supportive environment that has enabled us to procure this amount of renewable energy so quickly.”

Facilities in Utah.

As for Utah, 58 MW projects are planned, which is expected to generate energy for Facebook’s Prineville campus. This solar facility is being built by First Solar, who vice president of markets, origination, and government affairs, Eran Mahrer, said, “We have been pleased to work with both Facebook and PacifiCorp on a collaboration that creates value for all parties. This is an exciting example of how utilities and corporations are collaborating to achieve economic benefits for their stakeholders and also advance renewable energy objectives.”

This facility will use thin-film panels on single-axis trackers in order to cover the most area with flexible panels that are also able to follow the movement of the sun thanks to the addition of the trackers.

As Facebook joins the huge number of companies now switching to 100 percent renewable energy, we come even closer to achieving our worldwide renewable energy goal.

HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Solar Incentives - Check State Incentives
Expand Solar Knowledge - Learn More About Solar
Join HahaSmart Installer Platform - Become a HahaSmart Verified Installer