# The Future of Solar in the Age of Data Centers
The solar industry is growing fast, but a new challenge could reshape how the grid evolves: the massive energy demands of data centers. As artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing expand, data centers are poised to consume up to 12% of all U.S. electricity by 2030. This raises an important question—how will this impact the everyday consumer, and where does solar fit into the equation?
## The Concern Over Special Energy Deals for Big Data
A recent Harvard report raises concerns about how utilities compete for data center business. Utilities often offer special contracts to attract big tech customers, sometimes at the expense of regular ratepayers. These deals can shift the costs of new infrastructure and transmission lines to everyday customers, even if they don’t benefit from the increased capacity.
PUC orders frequently approve these contracts with little scrutiny, creating loopholes that allow for confidential energy deals. In some cases, utilities bypass government-approved rate structures, negotiating privately with data center developers. This could lead to higher electricity bills for residential and small business consumers.
## How Solar Fits into the Solution
As data centers grow, there’s an opportunity for solar to play a central role in powering
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/03/14/data-center-boom-may-transfer-electricity-costs-to-ratepayers/
