DataBank to Install 3.1MW Rooftop Solar Array at Houston Data Center, One of Largest in Metro Area
May 13, 2026
DataBank to Install 3.1MW Rooftop Solar Array at Houston Data Center, One of Largest in Metro Area
US data center operator DataBank has announced plans to install a 3.1MW rooftop solar array at its HOU3 data center in Houston, Texas, in what the company says will be one of the largest rooftop solar installations in the Houston metropolitan area. The move reflects a growing trend among data center operators to integrate on-site renewable generation as a hedge against rising energy costs and grid constraints.
The solar array is expected to generate approximately 4.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually over its 25-year operational life. According to DataBank, the system's levelized cost of energy will match current utility rates, effectively serving as a day-one financial hedge against price volatility. "This project shows that achieving sustainability goals directly supports strong business performance in a grid-constrained world," said Ethan Eisenberg, director of Energy and Sustainability Management at DataBank. "By generating renewable energy on site, we're creating a cost-effective path to our net zero commitments while providing immediate value to our stakeholders."
DataBank has selected Wunder Power to design, construct, monitor, and maintain the solar array throughout its operational life. The company also signaled that it intends to evaluate plans for similar rooftop solar installations across its broader portfolio of data centers. The HOU3 facility is located at DataBank’s Westway Park Campus, west of downtown Houston, and has a capacity of 6.5MW across 41,860 square feet. The data center supports 38 on-site carriers and is currently powered 100 percent by renewable energy, according to the company.
Founded in 2005, DataBank now operates more than 65 data centers across 25 metro markets in the United States. The company recently secured a $2 billion construction financing facility to fund its expansion efforts in Dallas, underscoring its aggressive growth strategy in key markets. The Houston rooftop solar project highlights how operators are increasingly turning to on-site generation to manage energy costs and meet sustainability targets, particularly in regions where grid capacity and power prices are under pressure.
Source: datacenterdynamics
