Analysis of Solar and Battery Viability for Datacenter Power at LAX
A study evaluates the feasibility of powering a datacenter at Los Angeles Airport using only solar panels and batteries. With 1 million solar panels and a 600 MWh battery, the system can handle a 26 MW load for 54 hours before requiring grid support due to a 25% reduction in solar output from cloud cover. The total cost of the solar and battery system is estimated at $395 million, significantly higher than a natural gas turbine plant at $50 million, with ongoing fuel costs contributing to a total of $168 million over 30 years.
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A datacenter at Los Angeles Airport could theoretically be powered by 1 million solar panels and a 600 MWh battery, supplying a steady 26 MW load. However, if solar output decreases by 25%, grid support is necessary after 54 hours.
Scaling the system increases costs; the solar and battery setup totals $395 million versus $50 million for a natural gas turbine plant, which also has lower operational costs over 30 years. Current favorable conditions for solar investments are due to federal tax credits and state Renewable Portfolio Standards. A more equitable policy could further diminish the viability of solar and battery solutions.
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