US data center operator DataBank has announced plans to install a 3.1MW rooftop solar array at its HOU3 data center in Houston, Texas.

When completed, the project is expected to be the largest rooftop solar installation within the Houston metropolitan area. It will generate approximately 4.5 million kilowatt hours annually over an expected 25-year operational life.

According to the company, the system's levelized cost of energy will match current utility rates, effectively serving as a day-one energy 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. "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 tapped Wunder Power to design, construct, monitor, and maintain the solar array for its operational life. It has also signaled its intention to evaluate plans for other rooftop solar arrays across its operational portfolio.

The data center is located at DataBank’s Westway Park Campus, west of downtown Houston. It has a capacity of 6.5MW across 41,860 sq ft (3,888 sqm). According to the company, the data center supports 38 onsite carriers and is powered 100 percent by renewable energy.

Founded in 2005, DataBank operates more than 65 data centers across the US in 25 metro markets. Last month, the firm secured a $2 billion construction financing facility to fund its expansion efforts in Dallas.