Solar power is set to remain central to how data centers meet their growing energy needs, even as concerns about intermittency persist. A new report from global real estate advisory firm JLL argues that rising electricity prices and stricter carbon rules are forcing operators to rethink long-term power strategies, with solar emerging as the most practical renewable option.
According to JLL’s 2026 Global Data Center Outlook, the shift away from fossil fuels is no longer driven only by sustainability targets. Cost pressures are becoming decisive. The report notes that green energy is expected to undercut fossil fuels on price across major regions over the coming years. Global renewable capacity is projected to surpass 10,000 gigawatts by 2030, nearly two-thirds of that total comprised of solar.
Electricity pricing is still a growing headache for data center operators. JLL highlights that grid power costs in many markets now exceed $100 per megawatt-hour, while carbon compliance requirements continue to tighten.
Together, these factors are pushing hyperscale and colocation facilities toward renewables as a primary power source rather than a supplementary one. While wind and other renewables will remain part of the mix, the report makes clear that solar holds a structural advantage.
JLL estimates that onshore wind costs are likely to settle between $25 and $40 per megawatt-hour, with offshore wind remaining higher, typically in the $60 to $80 range. Solar, by contrast, is expected to represent close to half of all green energy capacity in 2026. Despite its variability, JLL says solar’s scale and improving economics make it difficult to replace.
The report does caution that current solar procurement models may struggle with short-term price swings, particularly those tied to supply-side policies. Even so, JLL expects the long-term trajectory to remain favorable. Falling equipment costs and efficiency improvements are projected to push the levelized cost of solar energy below $30 per megawatt-hour by 2035, and that cost profile is already shaping infrastructure decisions.
JLL predicts that solar paired with energy storage will become a core component of data center energy strategies worldwide by the end of the decade. Some of this capacity will be built directly alongside facilities, but much of the generation and storage infrastructure is expected to sit off-site, linked through long-term power agreements. Adoption is expected to be uneven regionally, with the Asia-Pacific region forecast to lead solar expansion and China expected to dominate new capacity additions.
According to JLL estimates, solar capacity in the region could approach 4,000 gigawatts by 2030, with China responsible for roughly 80 percent of that growth. At the same time, the firm warns operators to prepare for near-term price volatility tied to Chinese industrial policy. Growth in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas is expected to be steadier and more modest. JLL projects that new solar supply in those regions will amount to roughly half of Asia-Pacific’s volume, reinforcing the idea that solar’s global momentum will be driven by a handful of dominant markets rather than uniform adoption worldwide.
The energy transition movement is also experiencing remarkable growth in other verticals, with enterprises like Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR) notching significant milestones in their bid to electrify marine transport and shift it away from using oil for propulsion.
About GreenEnergyStocks
GreenEnergyStocks (“GES”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on companies working to shape the future of the green economy. GreenEnergyStocks is one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, GES is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists, and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, GES brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. GES is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from GreenEnergyStocks, text “Green” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.GreenEnergyStocks.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the GreenEnergyStocks website applicable to all content provided by GES, wherever published or re-published: https://www.greennrgstocks.com/Disclaimer
GreenEnergyStocks
Los Angeles, CA
www.GreenEnergyStocks.com
310.299.1717 Office
Editor@GreenEnergyStocks.com
GreenEnergyStocks is powered by IBN
Google is stepping up its push for cleaner power with the announcement of plans to…
The International Renewable Energy Agency is calling for stronger and more coordinated efforts to expand…
Renewable energy capacity in the United States is still on track for dramatic growth, even…
Debates around renewable energy often generate plenty of heat and controversy. As climate pressures intensify…
A European study has mapped optimal routes for renewable hydrogen transportation across the EU, revealing…
Five European cities are shining in sustainability efforts, demonstrating how urban centers can leverage technology…