Meta Solar Farm to Power New AI Data Center
Meta has taken a major step in expanding its renewable energy footprint with a new solar project in South Carolina. The social media giant signed a $100 million deal with solar developer Silicon Ranch to construct a 100-megawatt solar farm, designed to power Meta’s upcoming AI data center in the state. Scheduled to start operations in 2027, this initiative reflects Meta’s dual focus on sustainable energy and efficient, cost-effective power solutions for large-scale data infrastructure. Most importantly, the equipment for this solar installation will be sourced from the U.S., further supporting local manufacturing and energy independence.
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A Growing Commitment: Meta’s Solar Energy Expansion
This latest solar project marks the eighteenth collaboration between Meta and Silicon Ranch, demonstrating a strong, ongoing partnership. Together, these initiatives have driven over $2.5 billion in renewable energy investments. In 2025 alone, Meta has added over 2 gigawatts of solar capacity across multiple U.S. states. For example, deals with Invergy in Ohio and AES in Kansas and Texas are already underway, while projects with Engie and Zelestra in Texas aim to provide nearly 800 megawatts of additional solar capacity. These developments highlight Meta’s growing reliance on solar energy to meet both operational and sustainability goals.
Why Meta Chooses Solar for Its Data Centers
Solar energy is more than just an eco-friendly choice for Meta. For hyperscalers, renewable power provides a fast, reliable, and cost-effective solution to meet the massive electricity demands of AI data centers. By leveraging solar, Meta can reduce the “time-to-power” bottleneck that often slows new data center deployment. Additionally, these solar projects directly support the company’s net-zero carbon emissions pledges, signaling a strong commitment to sustainable operations while meeting growing AI workloads.
The Broader Impact of Meta’s Renewable Strategy
Meta’s U.S.-based solar investments are not only transforming its energy supply but also influencing the broader renewable energy landscape. By sourcing most equipment domestically, these projects create jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and encourage more investment in clean energy technology. Furthermore, as Meta continues to expand its AI data center network, solar energy ensures a scalable and environmentally responsible power source. This strategy showcases how large tech companies can combine sustainability, efficiency, and economic impact, setting an example for the industry at large.
