Local data centre Host-IT announces major solar power initiative

Significant carbon saving equivalent to planting 4000 trees a year

Host-IT today announced a further significant step towards sustainability following the installation of over 1000 solar panels on the 4500 square metre roof of its Milton Keynes data centre. The CO2 emissions saved annually are predicted to be over 90 tonnes, which is the equivalent of planting 4000 trees every year.

Believed to be one of the largest data centre roof installations in the UK, the vast solar array will provide a capacity of up to 500 kW, making a significant impact on reducing Host-IT's reliance on the National Grid. Based on current load requirements, it is estimated that solar produced energy will be sufficient to meet the power requirements of the entire building during certain periods of the day in the summer months.

"Whilst our data centre switched to a 'Zero Carbon Electricity Tariff' several years ago, demonstrating our early commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the addition of solar panels further solidifies our continued drive towards environmental responsibility," said Andrew Willis, Host-IT's Managing Director. "We are proud to play our part in fostering a greener, more sustainable future, and we look forward to continuing our journey towards a carbon-neutral and eco-friendly operation."

He added: "As well as helping to attract new clients looking to meet environmental/sustainability requirements, this initiative is a welcome addition for existing clients. Over the past 18 months we've seen a noticeable uptick in the number of both Enterprise and SME's wanting to know more about our facility's sustainability practices which have a tangible impact on their own ESG targets. The solar installation will therefore make a positive and significant contribution."

Constructed to meet Tier 3 standards, the Milton Keynes data centre campus is equipped with dual connections to the National Grid, backup generators, batteries, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), providing unmatched resiliency and reliability. Maximum availability of power at the site is 3MW.