Microsoft Makes Largest Solar Deal in US, Buys 315 MW from 750,000 Solar Panels

Repsol Signs RE Purchase Agreement with Microsoft

The power will come from 750,000 solar panels spread across 2,000 acres at projects called Pleinmont I and II. The company says its total renewable energy portfolio will reach 1.2 gigawatts globally, which a Microsoft representative described as “enough power to light up 100 million LED bulbs.

Microsoft just announced what it calls “the single largest corporate purchase of solar energy ever in the United States,” buying 315 megawatts from two new solar projects in Virginia as part of its ongoing effort to power its global data centers with renewable energy.

The power will come from 750,000 solar panels spread across 2,000 acres at projects called Pleinmont I and II. With the purchase, the company says its total renewable energy portfolio will reach 1.2 gigawatts globally, which a Microsoft representative described as “enough power to light up 100 million LED bulbs, or send Marty McFly back to the future.”

“Today, we’re signing the largest corporate solar agreement in the United States, a 315 megawatt project in Virginia that will move us ahead of schedule in creating a cleaner cloud,” said Brad Smith, president, Microsoft. “This project means more than just gigawatts, because our commitment is broader than transforming our own operations; it’s also about helping others access more renewable energy.”

The Virginia solar development is operated by renewable energy producer sPower, whose CEO, Ryan Creamer calls “their early commitment helped ensure that the project continued to move forward and come to fruition at a time of regulatory uncertainty.”

Creamer further said, “Microsoft’s participation is a game-changer for this project and for other buyers.”