Solar and Artificial Intellignece
By Remote Energy Intern Sophie Nguyen
How Solar Can Power the Future of AI
Artificial Intelligence comes with significant environmental impacts. In 2023, data centers accounted for 4.4% of U.S. electricity use, and demand is continuing to rise. There are two components to AI use that cause mass energy use: AI model training and user inputs. AI model training consumes large amounts of electricity because it can take weeks or even months to complete, with high energy demand 24/7. Additionally, these models require frequent retraining, further increasing energy use. For example, Chat GPT version 4’s model training used 10-50GWh of electricity, which is enough energy to power 5,000-25,000 homes for roughly 75 days. Although single-user inputs require much less energy than training AI models, the billions of users generating questions surpass training in total energy demand.
As AI energy needs surge, solar offers a more sustainable step forward. Solar-powered data centers could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of AI operations. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is renewable and emission-free. Solar panels generate electricity when the sun is shining, and when paired with batteries that store this energy, they can provide power even when the sun is not out. This helps reduce the demand on local power grids during times when AI systems use a lot of electricity, making the energy supply more reliable and stable.
How AI Can Elevate Solar Energy Use
The relationship between AI and solar can go both ways. AI does not just use solar energy; it can also make solar more efficient and cost-effective.
AI can help manage how batteries store and use solar energy by figuring out the best times to save power and the best times to use it, so nothing goes to waste. AI can also assist in balancing solar energy with the overall power grid by predicting changes in energy supply and demand, helping utility companies adjust quickly to keep the electricity flowing smoothly. Companies like APsystems and Moixa are already utilizing AI with solar in these ways.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the possibilities solar and AI have, there are many challenges that arise.
Even with solar power, AI still consumes vast resources, including rare earth materials and water for cooling systems. And as AI becomes more efficient, it may become even more widely adopted, potentially increasing total energy demand faster than solar and storage can offset.
With all new technologies, it is important to weigh the benefits and risks of widespread use. AI is not going anywhere, but it should be used carefully and in pursuit of a more sustainable world.
Sources Used:
https://www.allaboutai.com/resources/ai-statistics/ai-environment/?utm_source=chat
https://moixa.com/gridshare-how-ai-software-is-transforming-virtual-power-plants/?utm_source
https://apsystems.com/apsystems-builds-a-diverse-smart-energy-ecosystem/?utm_source
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/08/how-ai-can-help-revolutionize-solar-power/
https://seia.org/blog/ai-leaders-are-pumping-billions-into-solar-storage/
https://www.emergentmind.com/papers/2505.09598
https://arxiv.org/html/2509.07218v2?utm_source