Can Solar Power the AI Boom? Top Stocks to Watch

Core Viewpoint - The digital economy is facing an energy bottleneck due to the high power demands of artificial intelligence and hyperscale data centers, which may soon exceed the capacity of the existing US grid [1][2]. Energy Demand and Supply - The largest hyperscale data centers are nearing 1 gigawatt (GW) of demand, which is about 10% of New York City's peak summer electricity usage. Projections indicate that US data centers could consume 25% of the nation's electricity capacity by 2030, requiring significant grid expansion [2]. - Current data center power usage is approximately 55 GW, representing about 4% of total electricity output, and is expected to rise to 85 GW by 2027 and 300 GW by 2030 [2]. Solar Power Potential - Solar power is emerging as a viable solution to the energy challenges posed by AI and data centers, with several catalysts aligning to enhance its competitiveness [3][4]. - The solar industry has matured, with photovoltaic (PV) costs decreasing by roughly 90% over the past decade, making solar energy cheaper than coal or natural gas in many regions [6][9]. - Battery technology is also advancing, with lithium-ion battery pack costs dropping 20% in the past year to $115 per kWh, making solar-plus-storage increasingly viable [8]. Investment Opportunities - Despite the favorable economics, solar stocks remain undervalued after years of underperformance, presenting attractive investment opportunities as the sector approaches a significant growth phase [9][24]. - Key solar stocks identified include SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG), Nextracker Inc. (NXT), Sunrun (RUN), Array Technologies (ARRY), and Shoals Technologies Group (SHLS), all of which are well-positioned for growth [4][14]. Growth Projections - To meet the projected demand of 130 GW for US data centers by 2030, the solar industry would need to expand its capacity significantly, requiring an investment of hundreds of billions, potentially exceeding $1 trillion when including storage [12][13]. - The current US solar fleet stands at about 235 GWdc, indicating a need to triple or quadruple capacity in a short timeframe [12]. Company-Specific Insights - SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) is positioned for recovery with rising earnings estimates and strong demand for utility-scale inverters [15][16]. - Nextracker Inc. has seen significant stock appreciation and benefits from the shift to utility-scale solar projects [18]. - Sunrun is expected to recover as financing conditions improve and consumer adoption of solar-plus-storage increases [19]. - Array Technologies is projected to grow earnings by 21.6% annually over the next three to five years, offering a compelling risk-reward opportunity [20]. - Shoals Technologies Group specializes in essential components for solar farms and has a strong demand base, making it a stable investment choice [21][22]. Regulatory Challenges - The primary challenges for solar and storage projects are regulatory and permitting delays, which can hinder the adoption of renewable energy solutions compared to fossil fuel infrastructure [23]. Conclusion - The solar sector is poised for significant growth driven by the demand from AI data centers, with strong economic fundamentals and currently depressed valuations making it an attractive investment opportunity [24].